Developers behind a billion-pound Perth expansion plan have pledged to protect an ancient forest on the edge of the site.
The 3,000-home Bertha Park project was approved by councillors.
Award-winning Springfield Properties is spearheading the development for 820-acres of land on Perth’s north-western edge.
As well as new homes, the scheme includes a new secondary school and zoned employment land which is expected to generate about 2,000 jobs over the next 30 years.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development management committee waved the plans through.
Convenor Tom Gray praised the project and added: “Frankly, I can see no reason not to approve this.”
Unlike the rejected Almond Valley scheme, the Bertha Park development attracted little opposition.
However, Alistair Godfrey of the Luncarty, Redgorton & Moneydie Community Council has raised concerns about an ancient woodland to the north of the site.
He has urged the council to ensure that a suitable management plan is in place before any work begins.
He said the some of the trees date back to the 19th century, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Scotland.
“I am of the strong opinion that members should know at this stage who will be maintaining the woodland and what resources are likely to be available for funding its management,” he said.
Springfield has said it will make efforts to safeguard the woods.
The company’s managing director Innes Smith said: “We will ensure that environmentally sensitive areas are protected once work begins, such as the woodland on the border of the development. It is in our interests to keep the natural beauty the site has.”
He added: “The committee’s decision is a big step forward in a 30-year project and the result of five years of planning and design in partnerships with Perth and Kinross Council.
“We have set our sights on delivering an exceptional place for people to live and work and we are excited to be bringing Springfield’s award winning homes to Perth.”
Mr Smith said: “We are on track to start building in 2017, initially creating around 450 new jobs and supporting many more.”
The separate Almond Valley plan was refused by councillors after a campaign by local objectors. However, the company behind the scheme has confirmed it will appeal to the Scottish Government.
