Work is poised to begin on Scotland’s first, brand new secondary school since 1995.
The £32.5 million Bertha Park school in Perth will have a roll of 1,100, with the first generation of around 100 pupils due to move in by August 2019.
Members of the development management committee agreed to grant planning permission for the long-awaited facility.
Convener Murray Lyle said: “This is a very important project for Perth and I’m delighted to see it going ahead.
“It is very significant that this is the first brand new secondary school to be built in Scotland for about 20 years.”
The building is part of a £1 billion expansion of the city. Springfiled Property last year won planning consent to build hundreds of new homes to the north of Perth.
Designs for the new school include an additional support needs unit and multi-use games area.
A biomass energy plant, which turns natural gas into electricity, will be built in the school grounds to help provide power.
Bertha Park was awarded £23 million of Scottish Government money and is part of a wider £145 million shake-up of schools across the region.
In a report to councillors, interim planning chief Nick Brian said: “In the long term, the development of this purpose built 21st Century secondary school will provide an excellent learning environment and platform for future scholars and a social hub for the community.
“In summary, short and long term economic impact will be beneficial for the local and wider area.”
He said action would be taken to address potential noise problems when youngsters are using new all-weather pitches.
“Even at the levels anticipated, associated noise could however potentially be considered a ‘statutory nuisance’, particularly through any audible foul language and general anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“In light of this, it has been recommended as best practice to seek via condition, for a noise management plan to be drawn up for approval.”
The council is meanwhile reviewing all of its schools estate in an effort to bring rising revenue costs under control.
