A development in Kinross has been shut down by the council after a building in a conservation area was demolished without permission.
Perth and Kinross Council issued a temporary stop notice on the Kirkland’s Garage site after developers tore down the façade of the former manse building on the High Street without planning permission.
The notice was due to run until Friday July 5 but the authority has now called a halt to the project indefinitely until plans are approved by councillors.
A council spokesperson said: “Perth and Kinross Council can confirm that it has now served an enforcement notice and a stop notice on the Kirklands Garage site.
“These notices prevent any further development being carried out in the absence of planning permission and conservation area consent, and prevent the removal of any stone from the site.”
Kirklands Development Company had sought part-retrospective planning permission to demolish the whole building but the application had yet to be decided when the site was bulldozed on June 4.
The company had already received planning permission in 2018 to demolish part of the building and erect two houses and four flats on the site.
Martin Smith, of Kirklands Development Company, said his company had “no choice” but to tear down the building as it had become “unsafe” after they removed fuel tanks at the behest of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
However the HSE and Building Standards have both dismissed claims they called for the demolition of the building – or the removal of the fuel tanks.
Kinross-shire Civic Trust called for an investigation into the demolition before any further planning permission is considered.
A spokesperson for the group said: “The trust is greatly alarmed at the manner in which this development has been dealt with to date.
“We are aware of many inconsistencies and failings in process resulting in the loss of the Old Manse.
“This was a building of merit within the conservation area and was identified as such by the Trust and Historic Environment Scotland.
“We welcome the issuing of the stop notice and enforcement notice and trust Perth and Kinross Council will initiate a thorough investigation of the circumstances.”
Kirklands Development Company has been contacted for further comment.
