The Scottish Government will determine what happens to the last man living on a housing estate earmarked for demolition by the local council.
For the past three years, retired bank worker Nick Wisnewski has been living on his own in the derelict Stanhope Place buildings in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire.
He is the last resident in the Gowkthrapple scheme, which the local authority plans to demolish to build 300 new homes.
Mr Wisnewski has reportedly said that North Lanarkshire Council’s offers to buy him out have not been good enough for him to give up his home.
Councillors have now agreed to promote a compulsory purchase order for the flat, meaning a decision will be made by the Scottish Government.
A council spokesperson said: 'We are continuing to try and engage with the remaining resident and our focus is on progressing our ambitious plans to transform this area of Gowkthrapple for the benefit of the local community.'