A developer got the green light to demolish a 19th century tenement in Ayr and replace it with two shops and seven flats.
The former Royal Hotel beside Ayr Central would be taken down by hand according to documents lodged as part of a planning application.
The painstaking process would see scaffolding erected and workers dismantling the building from the top downwards.
South Ayrshire Council’s conservation officer said the loss of the sandstone landmark is “regrettable” but added that “retention and restoration is not viable.”
The official added: “I have no objections to the demolition and rebuilding from a built heritage perspective on that basis.”
The council swooped in to undertake emergency work last year after the property on Kyle Street became dangerous.
Michael McFadden has applied for planning permission to take it down and rebuild on the site.
The council approved the plans this month.
The sandstone building used to house Matha' Dickie’s pub and has been empty for about a decade.
Its condition has deteriorated with parts of the roof collapsed, missing windows and rainwater pouring in.
It is understood the developer wants to replace the structure with a building in keeping with the character of the historic Conservation Area.
There would be two retail units on the ground floor with seven flats above.
