Two developers have launched legal action after their proposals to build an 1800-home village on the edge of Perth.

Savills and Pilkington Trust have submitted an appeal at the Court of Session in Edinburgh for the new Almond Valley village development.

The developers are arguing Perth and Kinross Council will struggle to provide housing enough to meet demand over the next five years as result of the rejection of their plan.

The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals said the proposals were 'premature' because the proposed Local Development Plan was still being considered.

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Jonathan Henson, head of property developers Savills in Perth, said: "On the face of it one might think there is no need for PKC to consider allocating new sites for housing.

"Inevitably though, the hiatus in house building has led to an increase in pent-up demand that will need to be properly addressed as the economy recovers."

He added: "Perth remains unprepared. It is vital the council develop an action plan which ensures the resultant jobs and investment which will follow the increased demand for housing are not lost to the area and accommodation opportunities are provided to those young people who wish to live in the area and also to attract new residents to the city."

Ex-St Johnstone FC chairman Geoff Brown has also voiced his support of the appeal. He said: "St Johnstone has been in discussion with the council and the Pilkington Trust and has worked with landowners to demonstrate how the road infrastructure required could be physically delivered.

"To use the Scottish government’s phrase, there is a ‘shovel ready’ project here that could provide 2500 jobs and new housing which is being held up by the council’s inability to work in the best interests of the city."

(IT)