Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have been told officials need more time to study their plans to turn a historic Scots cinema into an entertainment venue.

The famous duo, who want to turn the New Picture House, in St Andrews, into a ‘unique’ bar and restaurant, have been told there will be a further delay to the process.

One of the best-selling artists in the world, Timberlake, and his golf ace pal Woods already operate a bar under the T-Squared Social name in New York and want to expand the luxury brand to Scotland.

They category-B listed cinema venue in the Fife town, dubbed the Home of Golf, sits close to the Old Course where Woods lifted the Claret Jug twice at The Open.

Fife Council said it will not be able to make a decision within their usual time frame regretting the delay.

A letter to agents Savills said: ‘Notwithstanding any previous correspondence which has been sent to you, I regret that it will not be possible to determine your application within the statutory two month period or any extended period that has already been agreed.

‘This is because we wish to continue dialogue with you to attempt to achieve an acceptable scheme which could be recommended for approval.

‘We now require an extended period for determination until 2 July 2024.

‘Whilst I appreciate it is disappointing to have to wait for the council to reach a decision on your application, I would hope that in the circumstances you will find the requested extension acceptable.’

An artist’s impression showing how the sports bar in St Andrews could look

An earlier report had raised concerns about the impact on the building and original paintings by artist Ada Hill Walker.

The council said adverts or signage on the building would have to be approved in order to ‘safeguard external character and architectural interest’.

Walker was a famed painter based in St Andrews and her watercolour panels inside the cinema building depict local scenes such as the castle, cathedral and the cinema itself.

A consultation dossier said: ‘The original Ada Hill Walker watercolours in the main auditorium are important decorative features that contribute to the historical and architectural interest of the listed building.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, these paintings should be retained in situ to preserve this character and we would welcome further details of how they will be protected as part of the proposed scheme.’

The superstar pair plan to install sport simulators to allow guests to play 100 courses from around the world and turn their hand to football, NFL, rugby, cricket and lacrosse.

Their venue would be open seven days a week from 9am until midnight but extend that to 1am on a Friday and Saturday.

A decision will be made in due course.