Developers have been given extra time to progress plans for a crumbling Perth building, despite calls for urgent repairs.
The former Clachan Bar on South Methven Street has been earmarked for demolition.
Local firm Zack Developments want to replace the three-storey block with eight flats, a restaurant and a pub.
The plan was first raised nearly a decade ago, but planning permission which was extended in 2012 has now expired.
Now Perth and Kinross Council has agreed to give the company an extra year to begin work on the property.
It follows an objection by nearby estate agents McCash and Hunter, who warned that giving the developers more time could pose a further risk to the public.
In October, a neighbouring caf was evacuated and part of the street was closed off when stonework at the back of the property came crashing down.
The property, at numbers 10-12, is on Scotland’s buildings at risk register, and a dangerous building notice was served when masonry fell from the upper floor in 2013.
In her report, council planner Persephone Beer said: “It is unfortunate that three years has passed since the previous extension time was granted and little progress has been made with implementing the permission.
“The building has further deteriorated,” she said.
“We received a representation expressing concern that if the time to implement the planning permission is extended, no action will be taken by the owner to demolish what is a dangerous building.
“While I would sympathise with this view, I believe that a reasonable compromise is to extend the consent for a short time 12 months to try to stimulate work on the site.”
McCash and Hunter company partner Paul Trodden said in his letter to planners: “Since late 2015, the property has been cordoned off and warning notices stating the building is ‘dangerous’ have been posted to the front.
“If the building is indeed in a dangerous condition, then surely steps must be taken to have this demolished immediately to prevent any danger to the public.”
He said that an extension of the timescale would lead to the building lying untouched.