Lodged by local applicant Mayara Agnes, the proposal will see Dewar House on Hill Terrace to be converted into 19 apartments which will vary from small bedsits to larger three-bedroom flats.

Under the plan, a four-bedroom detached house will be built within the overspill car park to the east of the three-storey sandstone property.

The building was previously Angus Council’s housing office in the town but has been closed for a number of years.

In a supporting statement, architects AB Roger & Young detailed how converting the “derelict” building into an apartment block would be “beneficial” for the area.

The practice wrote: “We believe the proposed flats will be an effective use of the existing derelict building. The proposed building began as tenement buildings and we strongly believe that restoring them back to domestic properties will be highly beneficial.”

The application drew six letters of objection from neighbouring residents, with the potential impact on the privacy of adjacent houses, parking problems and the impact construction work could have on those living nearby among the concerns.

Despite these, the bid was backed by planning officers who said the plans would breathe new life into the unused building.

In their recommendation, they wrote: “The proposal will secure the future of a prominent building within the conservation area.

“In these circumstances, the proposal is in accordance with the development plan as it will provide new residential accommodation in a manner that is compatible with relevant locational criteria and that does not give rise to unacceptable impacts on amenity.”

The proposal was unanimously approved by members of Angus Council’s development standards committee this week.