Parts of historic Grade II-listed hotel 'to remain'

The 16th Century Raven Hotel was gutted in a massive blaze earlier this month, after being empty for more than a decade

Owners of a centuries-old hotel that was gutted in a major blaze are working on a plan to save historic elements of the building during demolition.

A fire almost destroyed the Raven Hotel in Droitwich on Sunday 10 August, with parts of the Grade II listed building collapsing.

Wychavon District Council said the owner of the building is looking to discharge conditions for demolition which includes protection of the hotel's retained listed elements.

Council leader Richard Morris told BBC Hereford & Worcester that while timelines over the work are still being discussed, a conservation engineer has been appointed.

The council said it has already received information regarding a number of the conditions and expect the remainder in the next week.

Morris said "time was critical", adding there was an urgent need for documents to ensure the job was done safely and "in consideration" of the listed building.

'Historic England monitoring'

"Wychavon is working with the owner on the statements of how they will protect and secure the listed element and demolish the remaining parts of the site," he said.

"Due to the listed nature and the presence of asbestos this, unfortunately, cannot be done without a clear agreed planned approach.

"It has to be done in a controlled environment that has been agreed up front with all involved and Historic England so we can monitor the owners in what they are doing and how they are doing it."

A spokesperson for Historic England previously said one of its specialist structural engineers would assess the building, and added the organisation was providing advice to the council.

Two girls, aged 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson over the blaze and have since been released on bail.