COURTS have ordered the owners of a historic, fire-damaged hotel to begin work to preserve its future after legal action was taken.
In a statement, Wychavon District Council has said it has secured a legally binding timetable for demolition and preservation works at the Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa, which has sat derelict since a major fire in August 2025.
The order, granted at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 26 June under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984, also gives Wychavon the power to step in if the timetable is not met.
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Councillor Richard Morris, leader of Wychavon District Council, said the time for waiting was over.
Cllr Morris said: “The owner now has a set timetable to follow and we fully expect those deadlines to be met.”
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Safety works will be carried out on the Grade II-listed building, including the demolition of dangerous areas and providing an opportunity to properly assess the condition of the 15th-century timber-framed core.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spent days extinguishing fire last year at The Raven Hotel. (Image: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service)
The order follows a fire in August 2025 that destroyed the modern 20th-century section, making the structure unsafe.
The owner must seek pre-application advice from Historic England and the council by July 10, and then apply for Listed Building Consent to begin demolition.
Historic England will also be given the chance to formally record the building before work begins.
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A start date will be agreed in consultation with South Worcestershire Building Control.
If these requirements are not met, or if work is not completed within a reasonable timeframe, the council will be authorised to carry out the works itself and recover the costs from the owner.
Cllr Morris said: “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.
He confirmed officers would continue to monitor progress closely and liaise with Historic England throughout the process.
The council has previously taken legal action on the site.
In November 2024, a court order allowed emergency works after parts of the roof collapsed into St Andrew’s Street.
