Council to Act After Historic Hotel Owner Misses Repair Deadline

Necessary repairs will be undertaken at a historic former hotel to safeguard public safety, following the owner’s failure to meet a court-imposed deadline for action, according to a council statement. Wychavon District Council reported that Live Urban Two had been granted until 8 December to complete the required work on the Grade II-listed Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa, but did not comply. The authority confirmed it had informed the owner that it would engage contractors to perform the necessary tasks and seek reimbursement for the expenses. The council stated: “We’ve now lost confidence in their ability to protect the building and the public, which is why we are taking this action.” A court order was issued to the owner in November, mandating that the building be made safe. This directive followed an incident where sections of the guttering from a part of the structure designated for demolition collapsed onto the roadway. The council reported: “Inspections carried out this week found the required work had either not been carried out or was inadequate.” Although some temporary supports had been erected, the council noted that a structural surveyor determined these would be insufficient to avert additional collapse of the first floor. Furthermore, no scaffolding or protective netting had been erected to prevent debris from falling onto the street. Councillor Richard Morris stated: “The owner has had chance after chance to show they are serious about protecting one of Droitwich, and Wychavon’s, key heritage assets and they have failed to deliver every time. We’ll ensure the necessary work is carried out as soon as is practically possible. We’ve also asked officers to explore all available options to safeguard the building’s future.”