The first phase of a contentious housing development in the north of Scone has been recommended for approval.
Perth and Kinross councillors will make a decision on the controversial H29 Scone North site on Wednesday and the initial round of house-building looks set to begin as planning officers recommended approval.
The land is earmarked for 700 homes in total, which are to be constructed in stages.
The first round of homes will see Perth based developers A&J Stephen build 42 properties on the agricultural site, should the plans be approved.
More than half of the buildings in the first phase will be bungalows and will back onto Harper Way.
So far, the proposals have racked up 40 objections from concerned local residents.
The fears raised orientate around a number of matters, with the potential exacerbating of drainage problems raised repeatedly.
However, SEPA have withdrawn their objection following the presentation of new information.
Scone and District Community Council is set to make a deputation at the meeting, advising against approval.
The group has raised fears that, as the project is being phased in, they have no assurances over the provision of any new recycling points.
Furthermore, the community council would like to see more green space throughout the development. There are currently five open areas highlighted in developments, however one has a SUDS pond in the centre and another has a substation pencilled in.
A spokesperson said: “We are worried that while our village is getting bigegr, we aren’t gaining any amenities to go with it.”
The group previously issued a survey around the village targeting all 2,370 households in Scone, and claim that 50% of the population replied, 96% of which were against the development, for which the initial wider plans received 900 objections.
In their plans, the A&J Stephen stated: “Scone North is a large, predominantly residential proposal which will take many years to complete and the design of which will evolve as the development progresses.
“The phasing and delivery plan sets out how the development is envisaged to progress over the lifetime of the project incorporating the various elements of the proposal including the delivery of private and affordable homes, the Cross Tay Link Road, a potential primary school, landscaping and open space.
“Given the duration over which the development will be constructed it is likely that the some of the assumptions made in preparing this plan may change over time. It is for this reason that the delivery plan should not be viewed as a static document but one which will evolve along with the development.”
The planning report, however states: “The proposals are considered to comply with the relevant provision of the development plan and there are no material considerations apparent which outweigh the development plan.”
The planning and development management committee meeting will take place on August 28 at 10am at 2 High Street, Perth.
