Legal action planned to make Raven Hotel safe

Further legal action is planned against the owner of the former Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa, as concerns grow about the building’s deteriorating condition and risk to public safety.

Wychavon 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. 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.

Wychavon has put safety measures 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, the owner has so far failed to carry out the demolition work.

In recent months, Wychavon has completed additional stabilisation work as the condition of the building has continued to worsen. The latest assessment by Wychavon’s Building Control team has warned demolition of the most dangerous sections is now essential on safety grounds.

Wychavon’s Building Control team are preparing the evidence needed to support a request to the court, which will be made in the next few weeks.

Wychavon has also reinforced security at the site by upgrading metal security fencing at vulnerable access points with more secure hoarding. This follows repeated break-ins by trespassers, despite the risk of falling debris and the presence of asbestos.

At the same time discussions are continuing with a range of partners including 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 money for that work from the owner.

Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, 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.”