Date published: 5 November 2026
The owner of the former Raven Hotel has applied for permission to demolish the remaining historic parts of the Grade II listed building.
Live Urban Two Limited has submitted an application for Listed Building Consent following a structural survey which concluded the building could not be saved and posed a significant risk to public safety.
The application follows a court order secured by Wychavon in June which set key milestones for the owner to make the building safe and carry out any necessary preservation work.
However, the application does not mean demolition has been accepted as the only option.
Wychavon's Executive Board has now ordered an independent inspection by a structural specialist to test the conclusions of the owner's survey and assess the condition of what remains, following the fire which gutted the building on 10 August 2025.
The findings of this independent report will be considered alongside other evidence, including the views of Historic England, when the council decides the application. A decision is expected before Christmas.
Ian Macleod, Wychavon’s 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.”
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/raven to view the application for Listed Building Consent.
Pictured: Overhead shot of the fire damaged former Raven Hotel