POLICE are investigating the demolition of a fire-damaged listed building without consent.
A fire on August 29 severely damaged Carsebridge House in Alloa, causing the roof of the property, known locally as the Dolls House, to be completely lost. The first-floor ceiling had also largely caved in.
Less than three weeks later, the building was knocked down by owners at Advance Construction (Scotland) Limited without any formal consent. The owners had previously submitted a planning application to demolish the building, citing safety concerns as their reasons, but Clackmannanshire Council had not yet approved this application.
Wee County councillors unanimously agreed on Thursday to consider a “range of possible actions” against Carsebridge House owners – including the possibility of making a referral to the Procurator Fiscal.
Councillors said they were “angry,” “horrified,” and “aghast” at the loss of the “significant historical” monument.
“I’m genuinely aghast that anyone would think it appropriate or think they have the right to go ahead and destroy a building – a B-listed building at that – without the necessary permission and in face of physical council objection,” Councillor Graham Lindsay said.
“The level of disrespect and disregard towards our local heritage and towards the council is contemptible. This motion attempts to outline the action that should now follow.”
Lindsay said the Carsebridge House had a significant historic attachment for many people in Clackmannanshire.
It was once part of a historic distillery, where many generations of local residents worked, before more recently becoming part of the Diageo site.
However, the building has lain empty for many years, gradually wearing down and subject to vandalism over the past year, with reports of people accessing the buildings and damaging the interiors.
Councillor Lindsay said he could appreciate that the building was in a poor condition following the fire, but he – along with other council members – agreed that the demolition was carried out “without consent and despite being instructed to stop by Clackmannanshire Council Officers”.
“Those responsible should be held fully to account,” he said.
The entire situation has sparked local outrage from both residents and councillors alike.
“I’m really angry. I think we’re all really angry,” Councillor Bryan Quinn said.
“I think we should investigate all the possible actions we could take to try and get the best outcome for us. We 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.”
Lindsay’s motion saw the council agree to consider “a range of possible action, including the making a referral to the Procurator Fiscal, against the owner and possibly others”.
The council agreed that a report on possible next steps should be prepared and presented to the planning committee as soon as possible.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing into a fire at Carsebridge House, Alloa on Thursday, 29 August, 2024.”
In relation to the demolition, the spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating the demolition of a listed building without permission on Carsebridge Road in Alloa on Wednesday, 18 September, 2024.
“We’re working with partner agencies to establish the full circumstances.”
