Fire-hit historic hotel's owner in demolition bid
PA MediaA Grade II-listed hotel that was gutted by fire could be demolished after its owner applied for permission to tear down the remains of the building in Worcestershire.
Live Urban Two Limited submitted the application for Listed Building Consent after a structural survey concluded the Raven Hotel in Droitwich could not be saved and posed a significant risk to public safety.
Wychavon District Council has now ordered an independent inspection, saying demolition has not yet accepted as the only option, with its leader angered the owner has shown "little meaningful respect" for the building.
In August 2025, a blaze forced the derelict 16th Century structure to be fenced off on safety grounds.
The demolition application follows a court order secured by the district council in June that set out key milestones for the owner to make the building safe and carry out any necessary preservation work.
A spokesperson said the findings of its independent report would be considered alongside other evidence, including the views of Historic England.
They said a decision was expected before Christmas.
'Parts were salvageable'
Council leader Richard Morris said he was "extremely disappointed and angry" about Live Urban Two Limited's conduct.
"There has been little, if any, meaningful respect shown by the owner for this important historic building, its heritage or what it means to the people of Droitwich," he said.
"I was at the Raven the day after the devastating fire on 10 August 2025 - I personally heard representatives of Historic England express the view that they believed the historic part of the building was salvageable.
"Of course, time has passed, and I have no doubt that the owner's continued slowness and failure to take the necessary action will have had an impact on the condition of the building.
Morris stressed the owner's behaviour indicates "why we must not simply accept their latest conclusions".
Fellow Droitwich councillor Dan Birch said: "Droitwich has already lost too much of its history, at some point we've got to say enough is enough.
"The developer has chosen to sit on this site for too long - we've given them ample opportunity, the council and the courts, to do something sooner, to protect the Raven.
"It looks like an eyesore, but should fight to keep as much of the façade as we can."
Ian Macleod, council director of planning and infrastructure, said: "Since the fire, the position has been that parts of this important listed building may be capable of being saved.
"If the evidence now suggests that is no longer possible, we need to understand why that position has changed and properly test that conclusion.
"We will ensure the independent inspection is carried out as quickly as possible so we can avoid any unnecessary delay in reaching a decision."
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