PEOPLE who enter a derelict former hotel in Newquay could be fined or imprisoned after a closure order was issued.

Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police submitted a joint closure order application for the Sutherland Hotel on Mount Wise following a spate of antisocial behaviour at the site.

Evidence to support the closure application outlined multiple incidents and complaints regarding anti-social behaviour at the four-storey site, including soiled clothing and faeces, as well as large items such as mattresses, being thrown from windows.

Several windows at the site were 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 have been verbally abused and woken up at night due to noise coming from inside the former hotel.

There was also a fire on the top floor of the building, which has led to fears of a fatality.

Developer Blakesley Estates Ltd received planning permission in August of last year to knockdown the Sutherland Hotel and construct an aparthotel, which would consist of 32 holiday apartments.

A Community Protection Warning was issued to the developer in December 2025 with conditions to secure the building and prevent any access, which was not adhered to.

A closure order was granted for the building at Truro Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 26.

The order stipulates that premises will remain closed for three months.

Any person that is not permitted to 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.”

The Newquay Voice previously told how action is being taken to secure the ‘dangerous’ former Sutherland Hotel after squatters started living in the building.

Cornwall Council boarded up the derelict four-storey Sutherland Hotel after residents made a number of complaints.

The action follows Newquay Town Council’s derelict building working party calling for the unsightly premises to be improved.