Ministers have been asked to decide whether more time should be permitted for development of a golf resort near St Andrews.
Those behind the £25 million scheme on land regarded as having one of the best views of the town have taken their request to extend planning consent for a clubhouse out of the hands of Fife Council.
The green light was given for the 18-hole course with clubhouse, which would include a 41-bedroom hotel, restaurant and shop in 2005.
Work started then stopped on rough shaping of the course, designed by former Open champion Tom Weiskopf, and residents have described the site near Craigtoun Country Park as a derelict eyesore.
In March, the council asked Scotia Investments for more time to deal with its application, but the firm has appealed to the Scottish Government as the two-month deadline for determination has been missed.
The council’s north-east planning committee will consider the application on Wednesday and planning officers have expressed concern about the delays.
However, councillors will only be able to decide whether to oppose the appeal.
Council development manager lead officer Elspeth Cook had said more time was needed due to the “complex nature” of issues raised in consideration of the application.
However, a spokesman for Scotia Investment’s planning consultant, Rapleys, said the firm was “puzzled” at what new matters could make a request for a time extension complex.
He also insisted there was no risk that the development would fail to materialise.
He said: “Subject to renewal of the clubhouse permission application, there is every confidence that the scheme will proceed to completion.
“It is relevant to emphasise that Scotia Investments LP has invested several million pounds to date and it will continue to ensure the project remains fully funded.”
Renewed planning permission would keep alive consent for the clubhouse, which cannot be started due to an agreement with the council, until the course is finished.
Creation of the resort, which would have invitation-only membership costing up to £200,000, has been beset by delays.
It was previously intended it would be open this summer but now the Feddinch Club, a new company set up to take it over from Scotia Investments, aims to open in summer 2018.
Construction delays were blamed on prolonged ill health of director Ewan McKay, now in better health, and poor weather last year.
The project was previously known as St Andrews International Golf Club but use of the name was challenged by St Andrews Links Trust.