The demolition of the iconic pub following the devastating fire at the weekend was "unnecessary and unacceptable" according to South Staffordshire Council.

Officers are investigating potential breaches of the Town and Planning Act and have referred the matter to its legal team with a view to taking enforcement action. It's reported that teams had visited the site on Monday, prior to any demolition, and agreed a programme of works with the landowner's representative which included removing a small section of the building to ensure its safety.

However, on Monday afternoon, residents and former customers gathered at the site to see a large pile of rubble where the pub once stood. A video shared on social media showed a digger knocking down the landmark pub. Leader of South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Roger Lees, said:

"Our officers carried out a site visit to the site yesterday, prior to the demolition of the building. Officers agreed a programme of works with the landowner's representative to ensure the safety of the building and the wider site.

"The agreed course of action included the removal of three elements of the first-floor front elevation only. This was only to avoid the weak parts of the structure from falling.

"At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary.

"This council finds the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers. As such, we are currently investigating potential breaches of both the Town and Country Planning Act and the Buildings Act."

The councillor's statement said 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. Cllr Lees added:

"The steps required by the legislation were not carried out in this case. We have referred these matters to our legal team with a view to taking enforcement action. As soon as we were made aware of the breaches during the demolition, we notified the Health and Safety Executive.

"We are also liaising with many other relevant statutory bodies, including Historic England, the police and fire services, amongst others. These bodies will take the lead on investigating the issues surrounding the fire, safety of the unauthorised demolition and securing the ongoing safety of the site.

"Our own investigation is in its early stages and whilst it continues at pace, we as ask for time to consider the facts thoroughly to ensure any future actions are meaningful and proportionate.

"The council is incredibly saddened by the loss of the building which, whilst not listed, was a heritage asset and important landmark to the local area and community.

"Over recent months, the council had been in conversation with the relevant national bodies regarding how best to protect and preserve this important heritage asset."

A fire gutted the iconic building on Saturday night, leaving just the exterior standing, with crews from Staffordshire and West Midlands fire services battling the blaze. Staffordshire Police are also appealing for anyone with information to contact them as they work with fire investigators on the cause of the fire.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has written to South Staffordshire Council, asking them to require the purchasers of the Crooked House to rebuild the property brick by brick. Mr Street has also asked the leader to block any attempt to change the use of the site, saying the pub holds ‘real and historical interest for the West Midlands’. 

The Mayor also posted on social media to say that it was good to see the local council was taking such robust action, and that "all agencies are united on getting to the truth and ensuring the Crooked House is not consigned to history in this way."