Springfield Properties has won permission to build 217 homes at its Kinloch Gardens site, off Glenalmond Road. The plan includes scope for 60 affordable housing units representing 27% of the site.

The company said the move will bring quality, energy efficient homes to the area, safeguarding scores of construction jobs for several years.

An application to build 217 homes on Glenalmond Road was withdrawn by Springfield from the July meeting of Perth & Kinross Council’s development management committee to allow more time for the housebuilder to work with council officials on questions raised regarding the project’s density and its possible impact on the neighbouring caravan park.

Springfield Properties land manager, David Jewell, said the revised plan considered each point and was amended accordingly.

According to The Courier, the proposals faced opposition from some councillors who felt that positioning all the proposed affordable housing on the edge of the site was inappropriate.

Councillor Anne Jarvis said the plan to cluster housing risked “ghettoising” people living in affordable accommodation while Councillor Bob Brawn said: “I am concerned about the affordable housing aspect. People will feel separated from everyone else on the rest of the site.

“Being integrated into the estate would create more of a neighbourhood and there is scope to include social housing throughout the site.”

Mr Jewell told members of the development management committee that business association providers prefer to have a cluster of affordable homes.

Councillor Tom Gray, who backed the scheme, said the location of affordable housing was suitable for access to the local school.

Springfield Properties managing director Innes Smith said: “We have a real opportunity in Rattray to extend our successful development here and continue to offer buyers homes with a great level of specification and a wide variety of choices. It’s an exciting time to be looking for a new home in the area.”

Construction is expected to begin before the end of this year.