A PLANNING application to protect and secure the future of the historic Raven Hotel in Droitwich has been submitted to Wychavon District Council.

Pictures have been circulating on social media showing the interior of the black and white building in a dilapidated condition, which has raised concerns among residents about the future of the site. A planning and listed building consent application has been submitted and will be published once it has been validated. This will be considered by Wychavon’s Planning Committee at a future date.

The site has been bought by new owners and Wychavon officers met with them recently to tour the building, inspect, and advise on its condition and hear more about new plans for the former hotel.

The council said the pictures seen on social media are of the newer additions to the Grade II listed building which had been regularly vandalised despite efforts to secure the site.

Roof tiles and copper wire have been stripped from inside the building and fly tipping has taken place. This has also opened the building up to weather damage.

The council said the newer sections are set to be cleared away and work has already started on removing rubble and other material from them in preparation for demolition. This is in-line with planning permission granted in 2018 which also allows the building of 51 new homes.

The original timber framed building will be retained and protected. The council has released pictures from the owner which show this part of the site is in better condition.

The new owner is exploring options as to how best to bring the historic section of the former hotel back into public use.

Cllr Richard Morris, executive board member for economic growth and tourism, on Wychavon District Council, said: “I also saw the pictures circulating on social media and was shocked to see the state of the building. Like many people in the town I have great memories of the hotel, it was really a big part of the community. I am assured the historic part will be protected and form part of any new future development supporting our community.”

Cllr Martin King, executive board member for town centres and council efficiency, added: “This is an important historic location at the heart of the town centre and it is good to finally see progress being made.”