A crumbling Angus building is facing its D-Day as developers and Angus Council try to thrash out plans that have been disputed for years.
The future of Strathmartine Hospital has been a subject of intense debate since it was closed in 2003.
Vandals have ravaged the site, smashing doors and windows and setting parts of the building on fire.
A full council meeting on December 18 will hear plans to build 26 flats in the hospital’s listed section, and 198 homes elsewhere, by planning consultants Muir Smith Evans.
Campaigners fear the firm could pull the plans altogether if the motion is rejected again.
Monifieth and Sidlaw councillor Margaret Thomson confirmed that the application would be discussed by councillors in December.
She added: “If the plans are rejected I think they are going to collapse.
“I’ve been a councillor for seven years and Strathmartine has been an issue this whole time.
“I can’t say which way I will be voting in December but I believe the plans have changed somewhat so they could be put through now.”
Campaigner Karen McAulay admitted December 18 would have a defining impact on Strathmartine’s future.
She said: “It’s going to be a bit like D-Day. Whether there’s a yes or a no will determine if the main building will stand much longer or not.”
She added: “If the plans aren’t accepted, Strathmartine will lie in a terrible state and we will have to wait for an accident to happen before action is taken to resolve its condition.”