Developers have defended controversial plans to demolish a well-known family restaurant to pave the way for scores of retirement homes.
Perth-based Juniper Residential wants to build 60 properties at the site of Scone’s Wheel Inn.
The company will take charge of the pub and restaurant if its bid for planning permission is successful.
Bosses say the new estate will help address the area’s growing, ageing population.
The Wheel Inn hit the headlines earlier this year, when new owners Caledonian Heritable controversially hired ex-Lovat Hotel boss Stuart Shearer, just weeks after he closed down the Glasgow Road venue, leaving wedding couples out of pocket.
If Junipers’ plans are approved, the demolition of the Wheel Inn could begin this time next year.
On Monday, proposals were unveiled to members of the public at a consulation event in the village’s Royal Douglas Memorial Institute.
Residents were urged to share their views, which will be used to shape a formal planning application.
There were concerns about losing the Wheel Inn, but also worries about an “over-development” of housing in the village.
Resident Noel McKinnie, who was among the first to view the proposals, said: “Scone is losing all of its amenities. With all of this housing planned, its just going to become another suburb of Perth.”
Scone and District Community Council, which led a high-profile fight against 700 homes to the north of the village, has said it will object to the development.
Land development manager for Juniper, Cameron McCallum said: “I know people are concerned about a loss of amenity, but there are a number of projects opening up soon, such as Scone Arms and a new wine bar at the old Bank of Scotland.
“We are here today to engage with people, talk them through our proposal and hear what they have to say. All feedback will be taken on board and used to shape our planning application.”
He said: “There is a huge demand for this type of housing in the Scone area. The growing ageing population has been a key factor in our decision.”
The number of people aged 75 to 79 is forecast to soar by nearly 40% in the next 14 years.
Resident John Ridley was supportive of the plan. “I’m all for this,” he said. “It seems like a great location for these kind of homes. I don’t think demolishing the Wheel Inn will be a great loss.”
