Planning chiefs are braced for a flood of complaints as hundreds were mobilised to fight highly contentious proposals for new housing at Scone.
Around 300 people attended talks to coordinate efforts against plans for 700 new homes to the north of the village.
It was standing room only at the Robert Douglas Memorial Institute, with dozens of residents forced to listen in from the lobby, while many others were turned away.
The meeting was so busy, organisers Scone and District Community Council immediately called a second meeting for those who were not able to get in.
Everyone who attended was urged to submit objections to Perth and Kinross Council planners before the January 27 deadline.
Opponents believe the plans by builder A&J Stephen will lead to more traffic and congestion, exacerbating already serious pollution problems.
A recent survey found 98% of respondents did not want the development to go ahead before the £113 million Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) – connecting Scone to the A9 – was in place.
A&J Stephen submitted its application for planning permission in principal last month.
Donald McKerracher, planning convener for the community council, said: “This application runs to some 1,300 pages and it wasn’t the best Christmas present to get, I can assure you.”
He said the community council’s objection, which has still to be lodged, already runs to 37 pages.
He said: “I’m not expecting members of the public to submit 37 pages. We’ve gone into great detail in our paper and we are happy to share our information but in terms of the response from residents, we would be expecting brief, direct comments on material considerations.
“It must be relevant, or you’re wasting your time.”
The watchdog group has raised concerns about the potential impact on local heritage and archaeology; fauna, flora and habitat; landscape; transport and air pollution; drainage and noise.
He said: “We’re trying to encourage as many people as possible to submit a response to the council.”
Community councillor Mark Rhodes said: “Perth planners have stated that the purpose of the CTLR is to reduce traffic and pollution in Perth, but they don’t mention Scone.
“And if they don’t expect anyone to use the bridge to go into Perth, that means that everyone will continue to travel into the city through Bridgend and Scone.”
Concerns were also raised about the impact on schools and health facilities.
Mr Rhodes said: “We’ve had a letter from the local surgery saying they are struggling to take any more patients. They also agree about the objections to the pollution levels.
“So if this large development does take place, it’s going to be very difficult to get a doctor’s appointment unless a new medical centre is built and as far as I’m aware, that is not on the cards at the moment.”
A school could be built as part of the development, but only during the fourth and final phase.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney, who attended the talks, said: “There is a sequencing issue that has to be considered by the council, looking at how this development could be approved.
“At the other side of Perth, the council has approved the construction of an entirely new secondary school to deal with the expansion of the population at the north of the city.
“Even if there’s 100 houses built here, that will inevitably put further pressure on the local school roll – and that strikes me as a material issue which needs to be satisfactorily addressed.”
A&J Stephen, which has held two public consultations in the village, declined to comment.
The plans are likely to be brought before councillors later this year.
The second meeting will be held at the same Abbey Road hall on Thursday, January 26 from 7.30pm.
