Perth & Kinross Council’s refused an application for 59 home and eight flats in Milnathort by Springfield Properties last year after concerns were raised some of the proposed properties lacked sufficient garden space.

Six months later, the same committee refused Persimmon Homes permission to build a further 169 houses at its development at Lathro Farm amid concerns that sewage water would spill into Loch Leven.

However, a reporter working for the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) signalled he was minded to grant Springfield Properties permission for the Pitdownies Farm scheme after the company appealed against the committee’s decision.

Now the same reporter, David Buylla, has said he is minded to do the same with Persimmon Homes after it similarly appealed against the committee’s decision last October.

Mr Buylla sent out his notice of decision the same day he confirmed in writing he is now fully prepared to overrule Perth & Kinross Council’s decision about Pitdownies Farm as well.

He said in his decision on Lathro Meadows: “A lower density of development would relate better to older elements of the existing built environment and might make a more positive visual contribution to the settlement.

“However, the proposal that is before me would relate well to the preceding phase of the Lathro Meadows development and would not conflict with or detract from older, lower-density developments.

“Overall, I am satisfied that what is proposed would respect the character and amenity of the locality and contribute positively to its surroundings.”

Addressing concerns raised about water quality at Loch Leven, Mr Bullya added: “In its response to this proposal, NatureScot confirms that it is satisfied that, subject to planning conditions providing control over construction works and the means of surface and foul water disposal, an adverse effect on the integrity of [Loch Leven] could be avoided.

“That conclusion was supported by council officers in the report of handling.

“Having considered all of the submitted evidence, I am satisfied that I have sufficient information on all reasonably foreseeable risks to carry out an appropriate assessment. My finding is that, with appropriate mitigation in place, there would not be an adverse effect on the integrity of the [loch].”