Plans to build flats on the site of a former homeless hostel are being resubmitted by Highland Council after the design was described as a carbuncle.
Huntly House was demolished in November last year after lying as a vacant eyesore for years.
Highland Council lodged plans to build 19 flats on the site earlier this year but members refused permission after hearing that objectors described the design as “a carbuncle replacing a carbuncle”.
Now planners intend to submit new proposals – this time for 21 homes.
The local authority is advertising for companies to tender for a £2.5million contract to build mixed density housing units and refurbish three grade B Georgian properties, adjacent to the Huntly House site.
A Highland Council planning spokeswoman said: “It is anticipated that the revised planning application will be submitted by the end of the month, when drawings will be made available to the public.”
The planning committee meeting in April branded the flats plans “ugly” and voted 10 to five to reject the plans.
Companies wishing to be considered for the contract have until noon on Friday.
It is expected that the contract will be awarded in August.
The riverside property was purpose-built in the 1980s and provided emergency accommodation for 27 homeless people as a Salvation Army hostel. It was a hostel for 12 years, but was forced to close in 2007 due to local authority budget cuts.
The council put the relatively modern building on the market for £700,000 in August 2008 but failed to find a buyer. It had planned to use the proceeds to create a new centre for the homeless in Inverness.