A HUGE renovation project on a derelict hotel in Droitwich town centre has been given the go ahead.

The grade II listed Raven Hotel, in Victoria Square, is set to be transformed into 51 residential units and a bar and restaurant, creating around 50 jobs.

As part of the rejuvenation the newer parts of the hotel are set to be demolished, while the sections dating back further will be retained and restored.

The building, which dates back to the 16th century, has been closed since January 2010 when a decision was taken to move all business from the hotel in St Andrew's Street to sister hotel the Chateau Impney.

And in April last year around 50 percent of the building was destroyed in a fire meaning councillors were unable to enter the building during a site visit.

Councillors at Wychavon District Council gave the plans the thumbs up despite a number of concerns about the loss of the historic building and worries that the design was not inventive enough.

Cllr Adrian Darby said: "Are we justified in knocking down quite so much of this listed building? What's the affect that's going to have on the conservation area? And third does what is proposed to take its place enhance the conservation area? What about the bits we can't see."

His concerns surrounding a rear wall in the property were discussed and it is in place and it is possible to restore it.

Cllr Reg Jakeman added: "It's out of keeping with the conservation area. They should go back to the drawing board."

Cllr Tony Miller raised concerns about parking and asked for deferral, while ward members Ken Jennings and Tom Noyes agreed adding they were not happy with the design of some of the small houses.

But Cllr Audrey Steel said people needed to get with the times and embrace change and the design, which was voted for by the residents of Droitwich.

"We have got to really just bring ourselves into the 21st Century with some of these designs," said Cllr Steel, who got married at the Raven Hotel.

Cllr Bob Brookes, mayor of Droitwich, attended the meeting and said he felt the concerns of the Droitwich people had been addressed by public consultations held in response to initial shock at designs.

The plans were given approval with the understanding local members and officers would work with developers concerning the design of some specific house types.