Community councillors in Scone are demanding a public apology from the boss of a local construction firm after he claimed his staff were deliberately “excluded” from a survey to gauge views on a highly controversial housing plan.
The watchdog group is battling to block proposals to build 700 homes to the north of the village.
Last year, members carried out their own survey of local residents which found widespread opposition to the project.
Last month, Perth-based A&J Stephen defended its employees for submitting nearly 100 letters and emails in support of the scheme.
Managing director John Stephen said his staff were trying to protect their livelihoods, which depended on the site coming forward as soon as possible.
He added: “It is particularly important that these views are heard as we are aware that the survey of Scone residents specifically excluded some of our employees who live in Scone.”
Now the community council has written to Mr Stephen asking him to apologise for the remarks which they say are “completely untrue”.
The group has also written to Perth and Kinross Council, explaining how the survey was carried out.
In her letter, secretary Hazel MacKinnon said: “The questionnaire was hand delivered by volunteers in pairs to all households in Scone, one per household.
“It was possible for houses or flats to have been inadvertently missed during the distribution of the questionnaire, however in order that everyone had the chance to comment, notices were put up on (three) noticeboards throughout the village, informing residents who had been missed, how and where they could get a questionnaire.”
The survey found that the vast majority were worried about an influx of traffic causing more pollution problems.
A&J Stephen has declined to comment further.
Meanwhile, the deadline for comments to Perth and Kinross planners is Friday March 10.
MSP Murdo Fraser said it was important for as many local people as possible to have their say. “Scone residents have a few days to make their views known, for or against, on the plan for 700 new homes and I would urge them to participate in this consultation.
“So far local residents have been vocal in raising concerns over these plans and this could be their last chance to make their feelings known.”
Councillor Dennis Melloy added: “The Scone North proposal represents a huge development and one that will have significant implications for the existing residents in the village.
“It is therefore very important that their views are heard and I am calling on those who have not already done so to submit their comments to the consultation.”
