Flooding fears put paid to a new housing plan in Bridge of Earn yesterday.
GS Brown had hoped to build 10 new houses on land to the north of Clayton Road but has been thwarted by the council’s development management committee.
Rejection of a previous application for the same site, for 22 houses, was upheld by the Scottish Government in 2010.
The local member, Councillor Henry Anderson, led the protests after officials said flooding fears had been eased and the plan should be approved.
He said: “I’m not saying they would cause additional flooding, but the flooding already exists. After 24 hours of rain there is clearly flooding in that area that covers the footpath and quite an area of the road.
“The engineers have worked tirelessly to address that, but I was told it’s as good as it’s going to get.”
He was backed by fellow Almond and Earn member, Councillor Alan Jack, who said flooding on the road concerned could block access to emergency vehicles and leave residents stranded in their homes.
He said: “We have a duty of care to these people. If the road floods, who pays? It would be irresponsible for us to go along with this.”
Despite assurances from council officers that the flood risk is relatively low, the committee voted by eight to seven to refuse the plan.