A fire at the Sherwood Hotel on Belgrave Road, Torquay, over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend caused extensive structural damage, destroying the interior and roof and leaving the remaining building in a severely compromised and unsafe condition. Heras fencing and a partial road closure were put in place immediately to protect the public.
Due to the dangerous condition of the structure and the lack of apparent engagement from the building’s owners, Torbay Council has exercised its powers under the Building Act 1984. These powers allow the council to intervene when a building presents a risk to public safety and immediate action is required.
Notice has been served on the owners, and Gilpin Demolition has been appointed to carry out emergency works to bring some of the building down to first‑floor level. This work is necessary to remove the immediate danger and will enable the full reopening of Belgrave Road.
Gilpin will begin setting up on Friday 24 April, with works expected to start early next week. The programme is anticipated to take around three weeks.
During the works, there may be short intervals when the current partial access on Belgrave Road needs to be temporarily suspended to allow machinery to be safely manoeuvred.
The building sits within the Belgravia Conservation Area and is recognised as an important contributor to the local townscape. While emergency works are required due to the immediate safety risk, the council is taking a proportionate approach that focuses solely on protecting the public. Once the structure has been made safe, the future of the building and wider site will 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.
Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking for Torbay Council, said; “The fire at the Sherwood Hotel has left the building in an extremely dangerous condition, and our priority must be to protect the public. Despite repeated attempts to engage with the owners, no apparent action was taken to make the structure safe. That is why council officers have used their powers under the Building Act 1984 to intervene and ensure urgent safety works can begin.
“This is an unusual measure for officers to take, but it is one that is absolutely necessary given the serious risks involved.”
Torbay Council is aware of community interest in protecting Torbay’s heritage buildings and concerns about other properties in the area. We urge anyone who witnesses damage, attempted damage, or unauthorised entry to report it to the Police immediately. We also strongly remind the public not to enter unsafe or fire‑damaged buildings for any reason, including so‑called ‘urban exploration’. Entering compromised structures is extremely dangerous and puts individuals at serious risk of harm.
Motorists are advised to follow the road‑closure signage currently in place. Access will continue to be maintained for accommodation providers, their deliveries, and nearby leisure facilities. We apologise for any inconvenience and politely remind people not to move or interfere with the signage, as it is there for everyone’s safety.
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