Urgent safety works at derelict hotel after fire

Notice has been served on the owners of a fire-damaged derelict hotel after a "lack of engagement", the council has said.

Torbay Council said it had taken the "unusual action" to protect the public under the Building Act 1984 following a major fire at the Sherwood Hotel on Belgrave Road in Torquay, Devon.

The authority said the fire earlier this month caused "extensive structural damage", destroyed the interior and roof, and left what remained of the building in a "severely compromised and unsafe condition".

It said due to the building's dangerous structural condition and "lack of apparent engagement from the building owners," the act allowed it to intervene as the building presented a risk to public safety.

The BBC has approached its owners for comment.

A demolition company has been appointed to carry out emergency works to bring some of the building down to first-floor level.

The council said the work was necessary to remove the immediate danger and would enable the full reopening of Belgrave Road as fencing and a partial road closure has been in place immediately since the fire began.

The company started work on Friday and it is expected to take about three weeks.

Cabinet member of pride in place and parking Adam Billings said: "This is an unusual measure for officers to take, but it is one that is absolutely necessary given the serious risks involved."

He said: "Despite repeated attempts to engage with the owners, no apparent action was taken to make the structure safe."

The council said the building sat within the Belgravia Conservation Area and was recognised as an "important contributor to local townscape".

It said once the structure had been made safe, the future of the building and wider site would be considered through the normal planning and heritage processes.

"This ensures public safety is prioritised now, while longer‑term decisions continue to respect the character of the conservation area," the council added.

It urged anyone who witnessed damage, attempted damage or unauthorised entry to report it to Devon and Cornwall Police immediately and reminded the public not to enter unsafe or fire-damaged buildings for any reasons including "so-called urban exploration".

"Entering compromised structures is extremely dangerous and puts individuals at serious risk of harm."

The council apologised for any inconvenience and urged people not to move or interfere with the signage on the nearby roads as it was in place for everyone's safety.

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