A total of 1,600 homes could be constructed on the site located at the edge of Bridge of Earn at Oudenarde.

Councillors approved plans for the latest phase submitted by local builders GS Brown Construction.

Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee was recommended to approve plans for 66 bungalows when it met virtually on January 19.

Planning convener Roz McCall moved to approve the latest plans saying they were “long-awaited” and would “provide better transport links and a new school”.

GS Brown Construction Ltd submitted plans to build 13 two-bedroomed bungalows and 53 three-bedroomed bungalows on land north of the A912. The plans included a play area and a recycling area near the access to the future park and ride site.

In September 2016, planning permission in principle was granted for a residential, commercial and industrial development with associated school provision, open space, and landscaping.

Local resident Ms Losty highlighted concerns to the committee about education, health services, flooding and ongoing parking issues, the Perthshire Advertiser reports. 

She revealed that there were “a lot of issues for elderly people” since Bridge of Earn medical practice closed in 2019 with some struggling to get to GP practices in Perth.

Councillors also voiced flood concerns.

A planning officer said: “There is undoubtedly a lot of flood risk. However, this particular site has not been identified by SEPA as a flood risk.”

An officer from PKC’s flooding team told the committee the site was not within the floodplain of the River Earn and said the team had “no real concerns about flooding for this site”. Councillors were told proposed drainage arrangements would mitigate any flood risks.

Kinross-shire SNP councillor Richard Watters asked about public transport provision connecting the development to Bridge of Earn and Perth. Officers said a footpath would link it to the village and the road would be designed to facilitate a bus service.

Councillor McCall moved to approve the plans and was seconded by fellow Conservative councillor David Illingworth.

The Almond and Earn councillor said the housing was “much-needed”.