Parts of fire ravaged hotel could be saved
Flames ripped through the Raven Hotel in Droitwich over the weekend
Wychavon shares the deep sadness of the community following the devastating fire at the Raven Hotel on Sunday (3 August). This much-loved and historic landmark, with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years, holds a special place in the hearts of many residents.
Since the fire, we have been working closely with a range of agencies and partners to assess the damage and explore the best way forward. On 12 August, a site meeting was held involving representatives from the Council, Historic England, structural engineers, building surveyors, the Fire Service, West Mercia Police, and a representative for the site’s owner.
Key elements of the original manor can be saved
Historic England has advised that there are key elements of the original manor that can be saved. Wychavon has also commissioned its own structural engineer, who visited the site to work alongside Historic England, and is preparing a detailed report due to be completed shortly.
The immediate priority is to make the site safe. This will involve fencing off the area to protect the public and the controlled demolition of those parts of the hotel that pose a safety risk, to safeguard the historic elements that remain.
Some residents have asked why the Council has not made a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the site. CPOs can only be used as a last resort, require a robust legal case and can take up to two years to complete. In this instance, the owner had planning permission granted three years ago and had publicly confirmed their intention to bring the site forward for development, including at the South Worcestershire Development Plan Examination earlier this year. This meant the legal threshold for a CPO was not met. The building has always remained in private ownership, and responsibility for its maintenance and security lies with the owner.
Wychavon has been carrying out regular monitoring visits to the Grade II listed building and issued the owner with a court order in November under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984 to make the former hotel safe. Wychavon instructed contractors to carry out essential work on the building, which was due to be completed this month, and will still recoup the costs of this work from the owner.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said: “The fire at the Raven Hotel has been a deeply emotional moment for our community. This building is woven into Droitwich’s history, and I know how many treasured memories are tied to it. To see it in this state is devastating, and I completely understand the sadness and frustration people are feeling – I feel it too.
"To see it in this state is devastating" - Cllr Richard Morris
“The Raven’s private owner already has full planning permission for a redevelopment scheme granted in July 2022, and has consistently assured us of their commitment to deliver it. Once planning permission is granted, a developer has three years to carry out the work. That, along with the strict legal tests for a CPO, meant this was not an option available to us.
“Our focus now is on protecting what can be saved, working hand-in-hand with the owners, Historic England, heritage bodies and our community to make sure the Raven’s story continues in some form for future generations. I’m grateful to everyone who has been working tirelessly since the fire – your efforts mean a great deal to our town.”
As the structural and conservation assessments are finalised, Wychavon will continue to play an active role in discussions about the future of the site.