A controversial 1300-home development near Perth have been given the go-ahead on appeal.

Perth and Kinross Council's decision to block the project has been overturned after backers took the case to the Scottish Government's planning and environmental appeals division.

The Pilkington Trust is behind the proposals, dubbed the Almond Valley scheme, to build the homes, a primary school and community facilities on land adjacent to Huntingtowerfield and Ruthvenfield.

Its plans were rejected by councillors in May after 85 objections were received but Scottish ministers' reporter Allison Coard reversed that decision this week.

One of the main reasons for refusal was the development being built on a flood plain.

Ms Coard said she had consulted Sepa and found "the indicative layout plan shows how the functional floodplain can be avoided and a site capacity of 1280 houses can still be secured".

She added: "The development of Almond Valley Village site is expected to progress in phases over many years and I agree that continued caution would be required given that flood statistics and design flood estimation techniques may change.

"For these reasons I agree with Sepa that as each phase is progressed through the planning process there should be consideration of a need to update the submitted flood risk assessment."

She did not agree with objectors who said the housing was no longer needed on the site, concluding "the development of the appeal site for housing is supported by the development plan".

Ms Coard also addressed "concerns about the density of development".

She said she found "no reason why an appropriate layout and design, to secure a sustainable new community and the amenity of both existing and new residents, cannot be secured".

The development would include new access to the A9/A85 near the site, which would address some of the "impact on the local and strategic road network", the reporter found.

She also rejected concerns around the environmental impact of the development, finding it would have "no significant effect" on "salmon, otter, lamprey and water interests".

Ms Coard said: "I appreciate the proposal raised a significant amount of local concern (85 letters of representation) in relation to the impact of such a large scale development on this edge of Perth.

"Methven Community Council mirror a large number of these concerns and question the need for so much housing and the effectiveness of the site."

She added: "The development would be phased over 17 years, there would be access to the neighbouring employment site and the location would be accessible to employment elsewhere in Perth.

"I am satisfied that with the necessary new provision impacts on schools and the road network could be addressed."