Council investigating potential breaches after “unacceptable” Crooked House demolition

South Staffordshire Council last week revealed it is investigating potential breaches of the Town and Country Planning Act and the Buildings Act, following the demolition of a landmark pub.

The 18th Century Crooked House, famed for its sloping floors and walls, was demolished on 7 August, two days after a fire.

Council officers carried out a site visit prior to the demolition, in which a programme of works was agreed.

“The agreed course of action included the removal of three elements of the first-floor front elevation only. […] At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary”, said South Staffordshire.

The council is now investigating potential breaches of both the Town and Country Planning Act and the Buildings Act.

It said: “This council finds the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers.

“Demolition of a building should be carried out in accordance with Schedule 2 Part 11 Class B of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The steps required by the legislation were not carried out in this case.”

The local authority has referred the matter to its legal team with a view to taking enforcement action.

Staffordshire Police has said it is treating the fire as arson in its ongoing investigation.

In a statement, Staffordshire Police said: “In this case, we believe the fire may have been started deliberately and police are now leading the investigation.

“We are also working closing with the local authority who have different powers and responsibilities to us, and like us at police and fire, have received correspondence from elected members, which we have responded to.”

The council said that it is also liaising with “many other relevant statutory bodies”, including Historic England.

Lottie Winson