A move to demolish 11 listed buildings to make way for new housing is, “appalling mismanagement,” it was claimed today.

Publicly funded Scottish Enterprise bought the former Ruchill Hospital site in north Glasgow in 1999, intending to sell it to a housing developer.

It obtained permission to demolish 12 C listed ward blocks and various unlisted outbuildings on condition it carried out work to safeguard the remaining listed buildings on the site. In 2006, the site was marketed and a house builder chosen as the preferred developer.

But two years later the company pulled out.

The 38-acre site was put back up for sale but since then has generated no interest.

A couple of years ago, experts called in to assess the condition of the remaining buildings on the site reported they needed £1.4million of work.

However the enterprise body says it does not have the cash and wants to demolish them all.

It insists that is the only way a development of 432 houses on the site would make any money.

Gerry Gormal, the city council’s planning boss, said: “The poor and deteriorating condition of these buildings has undoubtedly resulted in increased refurbishment costs.

“Scottish Enterprise has owned the site since July 1999 and since then a sum in excess of £4.5m has been spent on the maintenance and security of the remaining listed buildings. The site is in public ownership and the presence of the listed buildings requires 24-hour security.

“This is understood to be costing the public in the region of £330,000 a year.”

Mr Gormal said the council “regretfully” considered the demolition of the listed buildings, with the exception of an A listed water tower and a staircase, is justified.

He added: “The repair of the buildings is not economically viable.”

But the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland has objected to the plan.

It says: “It speaks of appalling mismanagement that, in spite of costs of upkeep in excess of £4m in the 12 years since the hospital closed, the buildings have been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent.”

Local councillor Jim Mackechnie and Patricia Ferguson, Labour candidate for Maryhill/Springburn have also objected.

Ms Ferguson said: “It is reprehensible that Scottish Enterprise is looking to demolish quite iconic building. It is the wrong decision for the wrong reasons.”

Mr Mackechnie added: “Scottish Enterprise has failed in its duty of care in respect of the listed buildings.

“I don’t think they should be able to take advantage of their neglect.”

A spokesman for Scottish Enterprise said: “We have carried out repair and maintenance to the buildings over the past 12 years. Unfortunately, these buildings continue to deteriorate and despite considerable attempts we have been unable to find a buyer for the site.”

He continued: “We believe the best solution is to invest in retaining the water tower on the site while allowing the other buildings to be removed.

“This will not only make the site safe but will also ensure public money continues to be spent on projects that will accelerate our economic recovery.”

Councillors will decide later today whether the listed buildings can be demolished.