THE LATEST phase of a major housing development in Scone is expected to be approved tomorrow.

Council planners have recommended developer A&J Stephen’s plans for Balgarvie Farm be approved, although there is local opposition.

The final decision, however, will be made by Perth and Kinross Council’s development and control committee.

Under the plans, 40 homes will be created in the third development phase of a larger, crescent-shaped housing estate on the north-eastern edge of Scone.

The site, bound around the south-eastern end of Myrtle Road and linking into the development at Balgarvie Mill, is expected to have around 250 dwellings when complete.

The proposal features a mixture of detached and semi-detached two-storey houses, with several one-and-a-half storey homes.

Scone and District Community Council has objected to the proposals— as it has to previous phases of the development—due to concerns about intensive development, inappropriate house types, lack of facilities and road safety.

The council has also received five letters of objection from residents.

Concerns include the development’s impact on existing homes and a perceived lack of adequate landscaping.

But planners appear happy with the development, although the lack of thought put into “green spaces” is highlighted.

In a report, head of development standards Ian Sleith called a planned grassed area south of Myrtle road inadequate and said it constitutes “left-over space, rather than a consciously planned area of open green space for future residents.”

However, Mr Sleith said he is confident such issues could be ironed out with the imposition of planning conditions, if the application is agreed.