Derelict Newquay hotel could finally face demolition

A derelict hotel in Newquay could finally face demolition despite the site owners' past complaints that they could not afford to pull it down.

Owned by Acorn Blue, The Riviera Hotel may be torn down as early as October amid claims it is riddled with asbestos and poses a risk to local residents. It suffered major fire damage in reported arson attacks in both 2011 and August last year.

Acorn Blue has always maintained that it could not afford the £150,000 demolition fee, but this week it emerged that the firm is planning to submit a planning application for a new residential development on the land, which, if successful, would set the demolition process in motion.

Speaking to local paper This Is Cornwall, company head Dave Stein said: "If there's a broad agreement [from Cornwall Council] that the concept is good then we will aim to demolish as quickly as possible."