Plans to write off a distinctive property in one of Perth’s most sought-after areas have been criticised.
Over the years, Knowehead House, on Dundee Road, has fallen into disrepair and the cost of bringing the category B-listed building up to standard could surpass £700,000.
The two-storey villa is owned by Perth and Kinross Council and used for social housing, though that is being phased out.
Members of the housing and health committee have been asked to declare the building surplus to requirements so that it could be put on the market for around £300,000.
Councillor Pete Barrett slammed the report, saying: “The accommodation in the building has lain empty because the council has not brought it up to a lettable standard and no allocations have been made for the past year. The council has not been making efforts to overcome problems of anti-social behaviour and under-occupation through a local lettings strategy, or by changing the client group of applicants for Knowehead.
“A market valuation of £300,000 for a property of 600 square metres on a prime riverside location, minutes from the city centre, is only about a third of what is to be expected and represents a very substantial markdown.”