A row has been sparked over the future use of fire-ravaged shops on Carnoustie High Street.
Angus communities committee will be asked on Tuesday to approve the purchase of a shop at 18 High Street, one of two wrecked by a blaze in January last year.
Since then the shops at 16-18 High Street have been made safe but remain unoccupied.
Amid growing concern about the negative impact their appearance is having on the town centre, Angus Council has revealed its ambition for four new flats on the site.
The plan has, however, put two councillors at odds over the balance between breathing new life into the High Street and diminishing its retail offering.
It has now also generated heated debate on social media as residents air their views on the scheme.
In the report going before the committee, council head of planning and place Vivien Smith said the plan had been drawn up against a background of several projects being undertaken by the council and partners to improve Carnoustie High Street, bring vacant properties back into use and provide additional affordable housing.
The owner of 16 High Street has told the council they intend to refurbish the property and put it on the market for retail use, but discussions with the owner of the other shop have led to the possibility of the council buying it for £25,000.
“Draft proposals for the redevelopment of the shop at 18 High Street have also been drawn up,” the report states.
“These envisage demolition of the fire-damaged shop unit and construction of four new flats for rent as affordable housing.”
Council officials believe the scheme could be delivered within current budget levels and are also hopeful of tapping into a Scottish Government town-centre housing fund.
Angus was told in December it had qualified for £200,000 of funding, but the report adds since no organisation or individual has contacted the council with a firm commitment to taking forward alternative retail proposals, the scheme has been put up as the contender for the cash.
“In the meantime, as context, a number of recent studies into town-centre retail activity have shown that shopping patterns have changed, there has been a drop in demand for shops on high streets and this trend is likely to continue,” the report adds.
It also highlights the risks associated with the acquisition and transformation to affordable housing.
A council risk score matric has said the impact could be “significant.”
“By approving this report, members will signal their intent to ensure that town centres remain vibrant and well-maintained,” the head of planning adds.
“The proposed redevelopment project will also deliver additional affordable housing in an area of need.”
Residents’ opinions on the proposal have been divided.
Councillor Bill Bowles put himself at odds with colleague Brian Boyd by saying that while additional affordable housing would always be welcome, it should not be built at the cost of town-centre retail provision.
“We need to have quality shops that supply all that the people of this town need in order for them to use them,” he said.
“We can’t do it without shops to put the goods in. It is ill-conceived and short-sighted to think otherwise.”
Numerous comments on the plan have been posted to the Our Carnoustie Facebook page, revealing that while many back the principle of supporting local shops, they fear for the continuing vitality of the town centre against the might of out of town retail centres.