Protection officers first visited the hotel on 17 April 2024 during refurbishment works and discovered that paying guests were being accommodated overnight. This contravened an earlier fire risk assessment which stated that no persons were to sleep at the premises until the works were completed.
As a result of not heeding this advice, protection officers issued a Prohibition Notice to prevent anyone from sleeping at the premises, and an Enforcement Notice requiring the deficiencies to be addressed.
The breaches identified included:
- A fire alarm system displaying faults and not in working order
- Breaches in fire-resistant construction affecting protected escape routes
- Inadequate fire safety signage
- An inadequate fire evacuation plan
At the hearing, Mr Rose pleaded guilty to all five offences.
Jon Lacey, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said:
“Fire safety laws exist to protect lives. By ignoring professional advice and allowing guests to stay in a building with such serious safety failings, Mr Rose put their safety at significant risk.
“We will always take enforcement action where necessary to keep people safe.”
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, commended the team’s work:
“This case underlines why fire safety regulations must be taken seriously and enforced with vigour when ignored.
“I applaud the Protection Team for their persistence and vigilance, and for taking such swift and decisive action to protect the public from potential harm.”
Both the Prohibition and Enforcement Notices have now been complied with.
Sentencing has been scheduled for 7 November 2025 at Norwich Magistrates’ Court.
