A major expansion of Perthshire’s biggest town has been approved, despite more than 500 people petitioning against the proposal.
Planning chiefs backed construction firm Stewart Milne’s plan for 117 homes across 14 acres of land off Maple Place, Blairgowrie.
During Wednesday’s planning and development management committee, councillors approved the motion to see the large scale construction take place.
The project had sparked fears from Blairgowrie residents about the impact new housing will have on local amenities.
Councillors posed questions to the NHS prior to the meeting over the consequence an influx of residents to the area could have on local GP services. There was no response.
Concerns were also raised over the prospect of extra traffic, with schools in close proximity.
Prior to the committee meeting, Perth and Kinross Council received 24 letters calling for the scheme to be rejected.
Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council described the project as an “over-intensive” development. The watchdog group also raised concerns about road safety and traffic congestion.
A petition was signed by more than 500 people who stated they were “deeply concerned at the relentless stream of housing proposals being presented for approval”.
The site is close to the proposed West Park development, where a further 400 homes could be built.
Conservative councillor Ian James said: “My concern is with the capacity of GP services.
“I am a patient in the closest surgery to this particular area and there is currently a two-week wait for a routine appointment, which will only get worse.”
Conservative councillor Bob Brawn sat out of the vote after having amendments to the proposal rejected.
Mr Brawn said: “There is a school nearby and there are currently no buses or crossings.
“Surely the traffic will exacerbate the problems that already exist.”
Despite concern, work will now begin on erecting the 117 houses.
Jamie Scott, Perth and Kinross Council team leader, said: “All relevant matters have been considered.”
John Low, managing director for Stewart Milne Homes North said: “We’re pleased that this application, which is in line with current house market demand in Blairgowrie, has now been approved by councillors.
“We have been working closely with the planning authority over a number of years to ensure that we will create a first-class design for this new community.
“It will be an excellent addition to the appeal of Blairgowrie as a place to live.”
Elsewhere, the council also approved changes to houses in Rattray to include sunrooms.
The homes in Glenalmond Road required further applications for residents hoping to add sunrooms to their property.
