Planning permission had previously been granted by the Scottish Government for developers to build 198 new homes, 24 flats and a community centre at the site in 2018.

However, in a new planning application, Chamberlain Bell Developments have detailed a strategy to “overcome specific viability issues with previous proposals”.

The new plans involve scrapping the proposal for the 24 flats in the listed building and instead of developing “12 period family homes”.

The number of private new-build residential units has also been reduced, with plans to erect 184 of the properties instead of 198, The Evening Telegraph reports.

The developers also intend to split the restoration of the site into two main phases. The first, will focus specifically on the renovation of the listed building on the site, including demolition, asbestos removal and remediation works.

The second phase will see the building of affordable housing, with 28 homes planned to be built before the private residential units are constructed during the final stage.

It is understood that legal issues regarding a “clawback agreement” with NHS Tayside made when the health authority sold the hospital in 2005 have been resolved.

Alan Bell, design and technical director of Chamberlain Bell Developments, told the Evening Telegraph, “We have considered the development holistically and worked closely with Angus Council who have helped us finalise a development proposal that now works financially.

“All who have been involved in the process over the last 2-3 years hope that the local council will now provide formal support for our revised proposal. This would allow the development to commence to save the listed buildings.

“With regards to timescales, we are optimistic that our revised proposals will be considered by the Planning Committee at their next meeting, planned for early-March. The intention is to move forward relatively quickly and, subject to many other technical approvals required, commence works on site late-Summer or Autumn.”