Company lodges plans for phase one of 700-home development

Plans have been submitted for the first phase of a massive housing development on the edge of Perthshire’s biggest village.

Construction firm A&J Stephen’s masterplan for 700 homes at Scone North proved highly controversial and led to protests in the streets.

Campaigners say the project will lead to a significant increase in traffic and pollution.

Councillors approved a planning blueprint for the site – on farmland between Spoutswell Drive and Angus Road – in May last year.

The council committee set a strict construction embargo on the project to ensure that only 100 homes can be built before work begins on the Cross Tay Link Road.

Now A&J Stephen has lodged a planning application for the first phase of the development.

It includes designs for 42 homes on the west site of the Scone North site.

Residents will get an opportunity to have their say on the latest proposal, before a final decision is made by councillors in the new year.

In paperwork submitted to planners, agents for A&J Stephen state: “Within the overall masterplan area,the vision seeks to ensure a sense of place, with a strong sense of community and wellbeing.

“The vision also seeks high quality design, a legible environment and townscape cohesion. These core design principles will be applied throughout the whole development area.”

At last year’s meeting, A&J Stephen managing director John Stephen told councillors that if no decision was taken, an appeal would be lodged with the Scottish Government.

“Jobs are at stake,” he said.