The fate of a fire-gutted fixture in Carnoustie High Street will be decided by a full council meeting this week.
Number 18, formerly a laundrette and greengrocers, has lain empty since it was claimed by fire in January last year.
On Thursday, councillors will be given the option to restore the shop with flats above, but have been advised to go for the cheaper option of housing alone.
Their decision will follow a community poll that saw overwhelming support for the shop and housing approach. OurCarnoustie held a Facebook poll last month, which recorded a pro-shop response of 86%.
Gallery: Carnoustie High Street fire
A new report by planning and place director Vivien Smith asks councillors to approve the flats-only approach, however, which would cost £70,000 less than the alternative.
A contribution of £200,000 will be made by a Scottish Government town centre housing fund, subject to acceptance by councillors.
The acquisition process for the premises has already begun.
Ms Smith states: “A workable model has been identified for a design/build partnership arrangement which could deliver a mixed development.
“However, the scheme would be expensive for the developer partner to deliver, leading in all probability to the cost being higher than the resultant asset values.
“This means that the cost would be far in excess of the option to deliver affordable housing only.”
The cost of the recommended option is estimated at £375,000 a net cost of £175,000 after the Scottish Government grant.
The second option, to build the flats above a shop, would be delivered for about £505,000.
The finished unit would be retained by a business partner for £60,000, and the Government grant would reduce the net cost to £245,000.
Ms Smith adds: “There is a risk that if the acquisition of the site is progressed without resolving the end use, it will mean that the (housing revenue account) will be in ownership of an unused and unsightly asset, and that the council’s reputation with the Scottish Government would be compromised as we would have to decline the offer of grant funding.
“Although a design/build arrangement could be put in place for a mixed housing and retail development, it would come at a relatively high cost.
“As the provision of affordable housing in Carnoustie is considered a high priority, it is recommended instead that the council go forward with option one, the provision of four flats without the retail unit, which will still improve an unsightly asset in this part of the High Street, and help more people into good-quality affordable homes.”
Most of the OurCarnoustie voters said they thought the space should be converted into both shops and flats, while just 14% of those polled thought the empty building should be converted into flats only.