London-based developer Rivertree Residential wants to alter and partially raze the disused former Murray Royal building to on Muirhall Road create 58 flats.

Planning officers at Perth & Kinross Council had recommended the refusal of the proposal, which was submitted in March 2018, but eight months later councillors failed to make a decision.

The application was then given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division.

Now Rivertree Residential has applied for listing building consent for phase one of the redevelopment. This includes the conversion of the south-east and south-west wings, to the front of the main building, along with the central atrium.

A planning statement highlights the hope to retain and restore the original design of the old Murray Royal building.

It said: “The applicant’s intention is to save the former hospital complex from further decline and to protect the buildings for the long term by converting them to residential accommodation.”