Morris Leslie Group, which already has planning consent for holiday accommodation at the 13-acre location off the A93, sought an amendment to pave the way for the creation of 53 units on the site to be occupied year-round.

However, councillors voted against the ‘Forest Park Village’ proposal and accused the developers of trying to gain permission “by backdoor means”.

Plans for a complex of 52 holiday accommodation units on the agricultural site off the Perth-Coupar Angus road were approved almost a decade ago.

Morris Leslie returned to council planners earlier this year requesting a change to the conditions which would allow chalet owners aged 55 and above to live at the site on a permanent basis.

To support its bid to deviate from the Local Development Plan, the company commissioned a two-year survey from Newcastle University which highlighted the growing demand for homes in the niche identified by the developer.

The firm also sounded out the Perth & Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, which confirmed it would not anticipate any additional demands on the social care sector.

However, councillors were unanimous in agreeing to planning officers’ recommendation to knock back the change of conditions.

Councillor Willie Wilson said: “I think this is quite clear. It isn’t just a matter of layout or design or roads. It’s a fundamental principle.

“In my opinion, this is trying to get a housing development by backdoor means, to be quite blunt.”