An iconic Bansky mural which was destroyed without permission during building work could not be saved, an investigation has found.
Cheltenham council has decided that no action should be taken against the owner of the house where the famous Spy Booth artwork, which had protected status, was destroyed in August.
The artwork appeared on the Grade II listed property in Fairview Road in 2014 but was destroyed earlier this year during work to protect the building.
A council spokeswoman said: "In carrying out remedial works to stop the further deterioration of the building, as required by the enforcement notices served on the owner, the render containing the 'Banksy' crumbled and cracked into pieces.
"The council is satisfied that the owner's contractors had made every reasonable effort to save the mural from damage.
"The mural was not salvageable, as large areas of the external render to the building were defective.
"Over time, the render had shrunk and cracked allowing damp to penetrate and leading to the render becoming loose.
"The council regrets that it was not possible for the Banksy to be retained as public art, but this proved impractical due to the overall condition of the building.
"Any feasible action against the owner in relation to the Banksy would not be proportionate, or in the public interest."
Banksy - In pictures
