Brandon House Hotel owner admits fire safety offences

Officers from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) Protection Team attended Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Monday 11th August for the initial hearing of Mr Rose, relating to serious fire safety breaches at the Brandon House Hotel on Brandon High Street.

Protection officers first visited the hotel on 17th 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 
• An obstructed fire exit 
• 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 7th November 2025 at Norwich Magistrates’ Court.