A closure order is in place at the Sutherland Hotel, Newquay
A closure order has been issued on a former hotel in Newquay following anti-social behaviour at the site.
Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police submitted a joint closure order application in relation to the Sutherland Hotel.
Evidence to support the closure application outlined multiple incidents and complaints regarding anti-social behaviour at the site, including:
• Soiled clothing and faeces, as well as large items such as mattresses, being thrown from windows.
• Several windows at the site being smashed, resulting in glass falling into the pavement and neighbouring properties.
• Drug paraphernalia being found in and around the boundary of the hotel.
• Local residents being verbally abused and woken up at night due to noise coming from inside the former hotel.
• There was a fire on the top floor of the building.
Planning permission to demolish the hotel and replace it with an aparthotel was granted in August 2025.
A Community Protection Warning was issued to Blakesley Estates, the owner of the property, in December 2025 with conditions to secure the building and prevent any access. This was not adhered to.
On May 26, 2026, a closure order was granted at Truro Magistrates’ Court. The order stipulates that premises will remain closed for three months.
Any unpermitted persons that enter the premises will be committing a criminal offence and could face a fine, imprisonment or both.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “We have to put a stop to the appalling behaviour that’s been taking place at this site.
“I would like to thank our community safety team and the officers at Devon and Cornwall Police who have worked hard to secure this order to help protect local residents and the wider community.”
Inspector Steve Johnson of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “The issues around the Sutherland Hotel have been ongoing for some time now and have had a considerable impact on all those trying to deal with it; not least the local residents. This kind of behaviour can have a significant impact on people’s day-to-day lives and wellbeing, so it was important we took action to prevent further harm.
“Our team will continue to patrol the local area to ensure the closure order is being followed - any breaches of this can result in arrest. We are pleased with the outcome, and believe this will make a real difference to the local community and help restore a sense of safety for local residents.”
Press release issued on May 28, 2026