Council officials have moved for compulsory purchase of a West End landmark despite an ongoing planning wrangle.
Businessman John Cape claims he wants to develop the fire-damaged 28 Roseangle into a hotel, after more than a decade of decay, and is embroiled in an appeal process.
However Dundee City Council’s planning team have now recommended councillors press ahead with compulsory purchase of the listed building.
Mr Cape has previously accused the council of “holding a gun to his head” by demanding that he spend money on the building while at the same time rejecting bids for planning permission and listed building consent that would enable his plan to take shape.
He has lodged a two-pronged appeal against the rejections targeting both the Scottish Government and the council.
But the council has indicated it has grown tired of waiting for action to repair the former guest house and will seek permission to secure the building.
The authority has previously served Mr Cape with a repairs notice and said if these were not carried out the compulsory purchase proceedings would begin.
Architect Peter Inglis has lodged appeals on behalf of Mr Cape and said they would be considered by the Scottish Government’s directorate for planning and environmental appeals and the council’s planning team.
“The Scottish Government is considering the listed building consent which was refused and the planning application will be dealt with by the council’s planning review body.”
The planning application for listed building consent also included the construction of an extension and Mr Inglis said his client would await the appeal outcome before he carried out repairs.
However, the appeal process may come too late as councillors will be asked to agree a report instructing a compulsory purchase on Monday.
Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “This is another significant step on a long process during which we believe we have given the owner of this property every chance to carry out the repairs needed. It is category C listed after Historic Scotland recognised its significance in 1989 and is in the heart of the West End Lanes Conservation area.
“The prominent location and significant deterioration of the building over the past few years have raised concerns not just with council officers but also among local people unhappy at the way it has been left.”