Controversial housing plans which could more than double the size of a Perthshire village have won crucial support from planning chiefs, despite widespread opposition from locals.
Developers want to build up to 650 houses on the southern edge of Luncarty.
Local firms A&J Stephen and I&H Brown say the project will create jobs, deliver wider benefits to the local economy and address a need for affordable housing.
But the plan has come up against a backlash, with more than 100 people calling for the scheme to be scrapped.
Opponents argue that the local roads network will not cope with the population boom and that the village primary school is almost at capacity.
It is estimated the scheme, across 100 acres of farmland, would increase the population size from 1,600 to nearly 4,000.
Planning officers are now calling for councillors to approve the masterplan at next week’s planning and development management committee.
In her report, interim quality manager Anne Condliffe said: “The expansion of Luncarty is a longstanding proposal.
“The site is well placed to deliver a sustainable community, serving as a well-connected satellite settlement to Perth.”
She said: “The proposal will provide a significant contribution toward meeting the projected population growth of Perth and Kinross. It will also help assist funding of significant community infrastructure improvements that will benefit Luncarty and the wider area.”
If approved, it is likely a condition will be set to limit the number of occupied homes by 2024 to 300. Plans to connect the site to the planned Cross Tay Link Road and the A9 would need to be approved before any more homes will be considered.
Each phase of the expansion will be subject to a separate planning application.
The Luncarty, Redgorton and Moneydie Community Council lodged a formal objection after a public meeting where around 40 people raised concerns.
Spokesman Iain Matheson said roads would struggle to cope with construction trucks.
“Vibrations from heavy traffic are likely to damage foundations, as evidenced at Lochty where similar traffic flows resulted in cracks appearing on houses.”
He added: “The community council do not consider that the development can proceed until important infrastructure like schooling is in place.”
Concerns have also been raised about drainage, wildlife and the visual impact of the development.
There are also worries about potential impact on areas of potential archaeological interest, including a possible prehistoric settlement.
Developers have argued that the housing will bring social and economic benefits to the area, improving the range and choice of available properties.
The plan will go before councillors on Wednesday.
