ACTION is being planned against the owner of Droitwich’s former Raven Hotel to try and get the most dangerous section demolished as concerns grow about the building’s deteriorating condition and risk to public safety.
Wychavon District Council is preparing evidence to put before the court to request an order requiring the owner to demolish the non-historic parts of the building that structural engineers have identified as unstable.
The building was badly damaged by fire last August and structural surveys at the time confirmed, while some of the oldest parts of the building could potentially be saved, others, most at risk of collapse, needed to be removed as soon as possible.
Safety measures were put in place to protect the public, including closing the road at the front of the property and installing metal fencing around the site to create a buffer zone.
However, Wychavon Council claimed the owner of the Raven had so far failed to carry out the demolition work.
The latest assessment by Wychavon’s Building Control team warned demolition of the most dangerous sections was now essential on safety grounds and the council was preparing the evidence needed to support a request to the court, which will be made in the next few weeks.
Discussions are continuing with partners such as Historic England, Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, Droitwich Place Board, Droitwich Town Council, Droitwich Preservation Trust, Droitwich Civic Society and The Raven Heartbeat Group, to try and find a long-term solution.
It is the second time Wychavon has been forced to take legal action over the former Raven Hotel to protect the public.
In November 2024, the council was granted permission from the court to carry out urgent safety work after sections of the roof fell into the road. Efforts continue to recover funding for that work from the owner.
Wychavon District Council leader, Coun Richard Morris, said: “It’s disappointing we have once again got to step in to force the owner to meet their most basic legal responsibilities.
“We have given them every chance to make the building safe but typically have seen no action. We now have no option but to go through the courts.
“Our priority is, and always will be, public safety. If the owner won’t act, we will.
“I share residents’ frustrations we are in this situation, but we’re determined to push forward and work with our partners to find a long-term solution which will deliver the best outcome for the people of Droitwich Spa.”
