Hotel owner ordered to start work on fire-damaged building in Droitwich Spa
The Raven Hotel's demolition must be completed within set deadlines
The owner of The Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa has been legally instructed to commence work on the fire-damaged building after Wychavon secured a court order mandating safety improvements.
Live Urban Two Limited must adhere to a court-set timetable to demolish hazardous sections of the Grade II listed building, ensuring the property's safety and facilitating an assessment of its 15th-century timber-framed core.
The order, granted at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984 on 26th June, empowers Wychavon to intervene if deadlines are missed.
The court stipulates that by 10th July, the owner must seek pre-application advice from Historic England and Wychavon concerning the demolition. Following this, an application for Listed Building Consent is required, allowing Historic England to document the building.
Collaboration with South Worcestershire Building Control is necessary to finalise detailed plans and establish a work commencement date. The court order mandates continuous demolition and preservation efforts once initiated.
Failure to meet established milestones or timely completion will permit Wychavon to execute the work independently, with all expenses recovered from the owner.
Wychavon has been engaging with the owner since the destructive fire in August 2025 that devastated the hotel's modern sections. Despite receiving informal work programme requests multiple times and assurances of progress, substantial work has yet to occur.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, expressed his determination to protect the historic site, stating: "The people of Droitwich Spa deserve better than constant excuses and false assurances. I lost patience with the owner a long time ago and have kept pushing for this action, which draws a clear line in the sand.
“The owner now has a set timetable to follow and we fully expect those deadlines to be met. If not, we will not hesitate to step in and do what is necessary to protect this important historic building, which means so much to the town, and to finally start moving forward towards the wider goal of redevelopment.
“We will be instructing officers to keep the pressure on and engage with Historic England to get a clear picture of progress made.”
Wychavon previously took legal action for safety issues in November 2024, when a court order allowed emergency works following a roof collapse.