The site of an old Tayside hotel, once owned by former Dundee FC manager Tommy Gemmell, could finally be revived — more than 10 years after it was destroyed by fire.
Plans have been submitted to tear down the remains of the Commercial Hotel in the centre of Errol.
Developers want to clear the eyesore site and pave the way for new housing.
It comes after a recent inspection concluded that the building should be taken down.
A study by McGregor, McMahon and Associates concluded: “Given the extensive failure of the major structural elements — namely floor, wall and roof — it is our professional opinion that a building conversion is not a viable option for redevelopment.
“On this basis the building should be carefully taken down and replaced.”
The report stated: “Given the quality of the stonework, we do not believe that any of the stone could be reused.”
The hotel has sat largely untouched and boarded up since an early hours fire on September 4, 2006. The alarm was raised just before 3am.
Nine firefighters took more than six hours to bring the inferno under control..
Neighbours woke to see fire crews at the scene, dampening down the ruin.
The hotel, which dates back to 1793, was at one point in the late 1970s run by Celtic legend and former Dundee boss Tommy Gemmell.
In his submission to Perth and Kinross Council, chartered accountant Richard Hall said there was “sufficient evidence” to support demolition at a pre-application meeting held in July, this year.
“The existing listed building is now in a state of complete dereliction and the most recent structural engineers’ report recommends that all standing structures should be replaced,” he said.
“The (council’s) conservation officer has confirmed this is sufficient information to support this application.”
He added: “The proposed building will contribute to the architectural richness of Errol High Street, while respecting the heritage of its setting.”
Unusually, the identity of the applicant behind the scheme has been redacted on paperwork posted on the council’s planning portal.
It is proposed to create a townhouse and two flats on the 1,960 sq ft site.
The bid is being discussed by planning officers and a decision is likely to be made in the coming weeks.