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In July 2025, two significant developments in the East Midlands highlight efforts to improve community welfare and economic prospects. In Derby, Steadwall Properties, a letting agent, was fined £14,000 for renting out unsafe flats in violation of a legal ban, underscoring the city’s commitment to tenant safety. Meanwhile, in Nottinghamshire, the Mour Hotel, a four-star boutique property in Annesley, is up for sale for £7.25 million, offering a prime investment opportunity. Announced on 11 July 2025, these stories reflect the region’s focus on upholding high standards in housing and hospitality, driving both social and economic progress.
Tenant Safety Under Scrutiny: Legal Action in Derby
In a decisive move to safeguard vulnerable residents, Derby City Council has taken firm action against Steadwall Properties, a letting agent based on Normanton Road. On 7 July 2025, the company was fined £14,000 at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to renting out flats declared unfit for habitation, in breach of a Prohibition Order issued under the Housing Act 2004.
The flats, located above a pharmacy on Osmaston Road, were subject to the order in August 2023 following an inspection by the council’s Environmental Health team. Inspectors identified serious safety hazards, including a weakened flat roof at risk of structural failure and uncertified conversion work that divided the building into two flats. Derby Homes relocated tenants to safer accommodation, and the order legally barred anyone from occupying the flats until safety improvements were completed.
However, a routine inspection in August 2024 revealed that Steadwall Properties had re-let the flats for eight months, collecting rent while the hazards remained unaddressed. This breach, a criminal offence under section 32 of the Housing Act 2004, prompted a swift investigation. The court initially imposed a £21,000 fine, reduced to £14,000 due to the company’s early guilty plea, and added £1,750 in costs. Magistrates condemned the firm for “recklessly permitting occupation,” noting the “considerable harm” posed to vulnerable tenants.
Derby City Council Responds
Councillor Shiraz Khan, cabinet member for housing, strategic planning, and regulatory services, emphasised the council’s commitment to safe housing: “We’re committed to ensuring everyone in Derby has a safe place to call home. While most private landlords are responsible and provide good quality housing, our dedicated team works tirelessly to identify and pursue those, whether they are landlords or letting agents, who disregard the health and safety of their tenants. We simply won’t tolerate substandard accommodation and will continue to use every tool at our disposal, from prosecution to civil penalty notices and rent repayment orders, to hold them accountable.”
Khan encouraged residents with concerns about rented properties to report issues to the council, reinforcing a proactive approach to tenant protection. This case illustrates the importance of robust enforcement and the use of legal mechanisms such as Prohibition Orders to hold property agents accountable, ensuring Derby’s rental market operates with integrity and safety.
Hotel Investment Opportunity: Mour Hotel for Sale
In Annesley, near Nottingham, the Mour Hotel is on the market for £7.25 million, presenting a notable opportunity for investors in the hospitality sector. The hotel, the first in the Dakota chain co-founded by Ken McCulloch and former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, features 92 en suite bedrooms across five floors, a bar and restaurant, a fitness suite, and function spaces for up to 150 guests. The venue regularly hosts weddings, celebrations, and corporate events, supported by an outdoor terrace and large private car park. Designed by Amanda Rosa, the hotel previously earned the prestigious Conde Nast hotel of the year title.
Now operating independently on a “hands-off” basis, the hotel offers scope for rebranding and enhanced marketing, which could significantly increase turnover under new ownership. Russel Allen, the current owner, described the sale as a “genuine retirement sale” after nearly two decades of ownership, adding, “The Mour Hotel has been a rewarding project, and I’m proud of what we’ve built. It’s a strong, award-winning business, and I believe there’s real opportunity for a new owner to take it even further.”
A Strategic Location with Long-Term Potential
Matt Hill, senior business agent at Christie & Co, which is handling the sale, described the Mour Hotel as “a landmark well-positioned venue with a broad offering of facilities and strong financial performance. This, combined with its fantastic position and potential to further grow the business, makes it a great opportunity for an experienced operator to add to their portfolio.”
Located just off junction 27 of the M1, the hotel has excellent transport links and attracts both leisure and business travellers, enhancing its commercial appeal. The sale reflects growing investor interest in Nottinghamshire’s hospitality sector, driven by the region’s expanding tourism economy and demand for high-quality accommodation.
Regional Progress Through Housing and Hospitality
Both the prosecution of Steadwall Properties and the sale of the Mour Hotel demonstrate the East Midlands’ commitment to improving living standards and boosting economic resilience. In Derby, robust enforcement action protects tenants from dangerous conditions and sends a clear message to negligent landlords and letting agents. By prosecuting offenders and encouraging public reporting, Derby City Council is fostering a fairer, safer rental market. In Nottinghamshire, the Mour Hotel represents a premier investment opportunity that could elevate the local hospitality offering and create new jobs, supporting both the regional economy and tourism growth.
Forward-Looking Perspectives
The Steadwall case underscores the need for continued vigilance in the private rental sector. Legal action, while essential, must be supported by proactive inspections and clear communication with tenants to ensure that landlords maintain safe housing standards. The council’s willingness to pursue criminal penalties highlights a broader commitment to accountability.
Meanwhile, the success of the Mour Hotel offers an optimistic view of post-pandemic recovery in the hospitality sector. However, realising its full potential will depend on new ownership bringing a strategic approach to branding, guest experience, and operational efficiency, particularly in a competitive market.
A Region Focused on Quality and Growth
Together, these developments reflect an East Midlands region that is serious about raising standards, protecting communities, and attracting new investment. From safeguarding tenants in Derby to enabling business expansion in Nottinghamshire, both initiatives illustrate how local action can drive regional progress. By balancing social responsibility with economic opportunity, Derby and Nottinghamshire are paving the way for a future where communities thrive and high standards define both public and private life.
