The St Madoes-based firm has sent a pre-application notice to the council’s planning department for a “redevelopment of the former potato farm premises to provide private and affordable residential units totalling approximately 75 units and associated infrastructure”.

The council’s second local development plan earmarks the area for between 72 and 110 homes but the local authority has said, given the location and scale of the surrounding built environment, there would be a “strong preference” for flats fronting the adjacent Crieff Road and A9/A85 Link Road.

The council has also revealed that the recommended capacity for the site is hard to predict and the number of homes built at the farm could exceed this.

A masterplan is required, setting out the phased building of houses, along with a flood risk assessment.

The approved plans must also include cycle and footpaths and an “enhancement of biodiversity.”

John Rebbeck, Perth city north councillor has welcomed the plans as he believes there is a desperate need for more affordable housing in his district.

He told The Courier: “Any appropriate development at Newton Farm is to be welcomed particularly as the land and buildings have been unused and derelict for some time. Suitable affordable housing is much needed locally and anything that can potentially help is to be cautiously welcomed.”

The next stage of the planning process is to present the technical drawings to neighbours of the development, with information already sent to nearby community councils.

A public consultation will also be held to give local residents the opportunity to view the proposals and voice their opinions.

The drop-in session will be held at McDiarmid Park on December 10 and will run from noon to 7pm.