Quality Hotel owners choose not to appeal

The owners of the derelict Quality Hotel which has been subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour over several years, have chosen not to appeal against an Untidy Land Notice.

Plymouth City Council served an Untidy Land Notice on the owners of the Quality Hotel on 10 June 2015. The owners have chosen not to appeal to Plymouth Magistrates Court against the notice, which means it has now taken full legal effect.

The Quality Hotel has consistently been targeted by arsonists and other vandals. Between 20th January 2015 and 31st March 2015, local police attended 28 incidents at the Quality Hotel, and of these 10 were for anti-social behaviour and 18 were for public safety.

This means that the owners have until Monday 10 August to complete the tidy up works specified in the Notice which includes graffiti removal, and the repair or boarding over of broken and missing windows.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council, said: “We want to reassure local residents that we are doing all we can to tackle this ongoing problem. The building is both an eyesore and represents a potential public health hazard and urgent action needs to be taken by the hotel’s owners to get it sorted. The building presents a very poor image of our city to the many visitors.

“This is a prime development site and I really hope we soon see a new owner bring forward a high quality proposal as befits such a prominent site in the city.”

Councillor Philippa Davey, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities for Plymouth City Council, said: “We will be monitoring this situation very closely and will be inspecting the property soon after 10 August to check for compliance with the Notice.

“Failure to comply with the Notice will result in legal action being pursued against the owner. In these circumstances the Council would also have the option of carrying out the works in default, and charging the owners for the cost involved.”

A Safer Plymouth meeting was held on 10 June for residents to discuss their concerns about the issues relating to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. You can read the minutes and get other updates at the web page here.