OPTIONS to address concerns around Alloa's Greenfield House are to be weighed up by councillors tomorrow.

A meeting of Clackmannanshire Council on Thursday, June 24, will see an update on the abandoned building, almost exactly four years after the local authority concluded the sale of the B listed property.

As reported previously, concerns have been mounting over the fabric of the former council headquarters, which was due to be converted into sheltered housing by current owners Kapital Residential Ltd.

Planning permission for the development has since lapsed and the building remains disused and fenced off.

It was in the spotlight in February when a group of so-called urban explorers gained entry and showcased their exploits in an online video.

Back then, Cllr Craig Holden, spokesman for environment and housing, vowed that the "situation will not be allowed to continue indefinitely".

At the meeting tomorrow, councillors will debate if the local authority should attempt to acquire the building through a compulsory purchase order, whether it could take enforcement action or if it should bring the site back into public ownership.

The latter would require a "willing seller" and it is likely that a separate report with further information on this option will be taken behind closed doors as it contains details deemed exempt from the public eye.

Enforcement is only possible after "significant building defects occur" and there may be financial implications for the public coffers.

It is unlikely a dangerous building notice would be effective, council papers noting that the property is not in such a deteriorated state.

Serving a repairs notice is the "more likely possibility as time goes on".

This would require the owner to carry out repairs to prevent the building from becoming dangerous.

If the works are not completed then the council would have to meet the costs and recharge the owner, with the possibility of court action if no payment is provided.

Council papers said: "The lack of contact from/interest by the owner, the council's limited budget for building repairs and the previous sale by the council clearly raise significant financial considerations that would have to be considered before serving notices as and when required."

The council would have to justify any compulsory purchase order (CPO), evidencing public interest.

It is likely this option would involve "considerable cost" from taxpayer money as it would include compensation, legal costs and more.

Tomorrow's update also highlighted some recent activity at the site.

Following revelations that urban explorers entered the property, a meeting had taken place between the owner, police and fire service representatives and council officials.

The owner agreed to carry out urgent wind, watertight and security works which were completed "shorty after".

However, agreed works to improve the perimeter fencing have not been completed, according to the council.

The owner also agreed to facilitate a site visit by Historic Environment Scotland which has not gone ahead "despite several requests".