THE long-awaited transformation of an historic town hotel into new homes, a brine bath and a gin bar has been given the green light by the council planners.

The plan for the once-luxurious Raven Hotel in Droitwich town centre, which would see modern extensions to the listed building demolished to make way for 48 new homes and flats alongside space for a new gin bar and brine baths, was backed by Wychavon District Council’s planning committee on July 21.

The deteriorating building, parts of which date back to the 16th century, has been empty since 2010.

At the meeting in Pershore, Cllr Bill Moy, former mayor of Droitwich and chairman of campaigners Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBs) called on the committee to approve the application “without reservation” saying it would help “revitalise the town centre and justify the Spa element in the town’s name.”

“I believe this application to build high-end housing, apartments, and the proposal to preserve the manor house are to be welcomed in its entirety,” he said.

“The suggested addition of brine baths, gin bar and the connectivity provided to the High Street would be most helpful in promoting trade in Droitwich Spa along with the increasing prospect of furthering tourism to the town as a whole.”

Concerns had been raised the proposed brine baths would damage the old building.

Malcolm Linney from the Droitwich Preservation Trust said the charity supported the restoration of the former hotel and demolition of older extensions for housing but objected to the proposed brine bath and gin bar.

“The timber frame is a jewel in the crown for Droitwich and should be open to the public so that visitors and residents can be reminded of the town’s rich heritage.

“Our underlying concern is the impact of hot, salty steam on the timber frame. This should simply be sighted elsewhere.”

Cllr Alex Sinton, who represents the Droitwich Spa East ward on Wychavon District Council, said: “The applicants have said they wish to implement the scheme immediately and I believe they should be given this opportunity to revitalise the centre of our town and turn what has become an unsightly blot on the landscape into something of which Droitwich Spa and Wychavon can be justly proud.”