A Scottish council is considering "a range of possible actions" after a B-listed 18th century building was demolished without any formal consent.
Carsebridge House in Alloa was badly damaged in a fire on August 29.
Dating from around 1799, the building retained an important association with the former Carsebridge distillery, a significant historic industrial site for the area.
Despite the listed building status, the owner, Advance Construction (Scotland) Limited, proceeded to demolish the building.
Council planning officers attended Carsebridge House on September 18 in an attempt to halt the demolition works without success.
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The council said officers are currently working with Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Last week, a motion brought to the council by Councillor Graham Lindsay to consider a range of possible actions, including the making of a referral to the Procurator Fiscal, against Advance Construction (Scotland) Limited, was unanimously approved.
Councillor Graham Lindsay said: “This building was of significant historical and architectural interest locally and nationally.
"While I appreciate that the building was in a poor condition following the devastating fire, and an application to demolish had been submitted, the demolition work last month was carried out without consent of this Council. Those responsible should be held fully to account.”
The council agreed that a report on possible next steps should be prepared and presented to the planning committee.
Known locally as 'the Doll's House' the two-storey building was completed in around 1799 as part of a broader plan to establish a distillery within the local area. John Francis Erskine, Earl of Mar, leased the land to a John Bald Esquire and the house went on to be used as the distillery manager's home.
The house was occupied until the 1980s, when the distillery closed. The distillery buildings were demolished during the 1990s and, over time, the house's walled gardens were overtaken by encroaching woodland.
Prior to the August fire which ripped through the house, a recent report noted the building's "good stonework and classical architectural detailing. This includes a moulded cornice with centre panel and a cavetto doorpiece under a Doric-pilastered porch."
The report concluded: "We consider that the building still demonstrates special design interest whether or not it retains an intact plan form and original fixtures and fittings."
Locals feared that a distinctive Napoleon's Column had also been destroyed during the unlicensed demolition by Advance Construction. The column is believed to be one of only two of its kind in the world, however, the local Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser have revealed that it is still standing within the grounds.
Reflecting on the fire and subsequent demolition, local Councillor Bryan Quinn captured the mood of locals when he said: "I think we’re all really angry. We should investigate all the possible actions... and also need to show people that it’s not acceptable, you can’t do this, there is a law, there is a process. And if people are not following the law, they should be punished. We should take every action we possibly can.”
Police Scotland say they are investigating both the fire and unlicensed demolition, the latter of which took place on Wednesday September 18.
"We’re working with partner agencies to establish the full circumstances," said a Police spokesperson.
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