A&J Stephen submitted plans last year to build the first 42 homes on the west side of the Scone North site.

The development will eventually be home to 700 new properties after Perth and Kinross Council voted to grant planning permission in principle for the overall masterplan on farmland between Spoutswell Drive and Angus Road in 2017.

Permission to start constructing the first 42 houses was granted following a narrow vote this week. Of the 12 councillors able to vote, six were in favour of delaying the sign-off until several questions were answered and a site visit was arranged.

The casting vote fell to convener Roz McCall who proceeded to approve the plans immediately.

Depute provost Willie Wilson had called for the decision to be postponed until council officers could seek more detail from council officers and NHS Tayside.

His request was narrowly defeated by councillors wishing to push ahead with the building work.

John Stephen, managing director of A&J Stephen, said: “We are delighted to have detailed planning consent.

“With our arrival on site imminent, we’re hoping to be marketing these properties for sale by spring 2020, with entry by the end of next year.”