Derelict hotel 'beyond a matter of civic shame'

Allyson Taylor described the building as "beyond a matter of civic shame"

A derelict hotel in Herefordshire has gone "beyond a matter of civic shame" and is now causing concern among residents about the building's safety, according to a campaigner.

Allyson Taylor said an "emergency public meeting" in August attracted more than 20 people with concerns about the Hop Pole in Market Square, Bromyard.

She said "feelings ran high" as the former hotel had been closed for a number of years when plans to turn it into "luxury accommodation" never progressed.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson confirmed a new case against the owners had been opened due to the deteriorating condition of the property.

They said its planning enforcement team had served notice on a previous owner to "improve the external appearance of the property".

This was found to have been complied with last November.

"Whilst Planning Enforcement are not in receipt of any new complaints, a case has been reopened due to the deteriorating condition of the property, reported by the council's building control team," the council spokesperson said.

Residents are concerned the hotel has become unsafe

Building control officers "have served a section 77 and section 78 Notice requiring the owner to make the property safe and to remove the health and safety risk to the public due to loose masonry," they added.

"Fencing has also been erected, and the owner has been given two weeks to comply with this notice that expires this week."

The notices are issued under the Building Act, sections 77 and 78 of which govern enforcement action against the owners of unsafe buildings

The Grade II listed building was previously owned by Undercover Boss star Alfie Best, who made the purchase in 2019.

Mr Best's plans for the scheme did not progress despite planning permission being approved in 2023.

The property was then sold at auction in May last year for £174,000.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.