Protest against new village plans

Almond Valley would contain about 1,800 homes

Residents fighting plans for a new village on the outskirts of Perth have stepped up their protest campaign.

A petition against the Almond Valley proposals is being launched at an event on Thursday evening.

Hundreds of letters are being posted through doors, urging people to write to the local council to oppose the construction of 1,800 homes.

Developers said the plans would be attractive and provide much-needed accommodation for the area.

Savills has lodged the planning application with Perth and Kinross Council on behalf of the Pilkington Trust, which also includes proposals for a primary school, leisure facilities and shops.

Previous plans to build houses on the site were fiercely criticised by local residents.

Petition co-ordinator Susan Pettigrew, said: "We feel the large scale of the development will result in the coalescence of Perth and Almondbank, unmanageable traffic congestion, an increased flood risk and the denigration of a unique and historical asset to Perth."

Her comments were echoed by Peter Pearson, chairman of Methven Community Council, who added: "The area is countryside with small villages and settlements within it.

"It's adjacent to Perth and it's used by Perth people as a recreation area. It has a national cycleway through it."