Scottish builder Springfield Properties said its plans for a £1 billion, 3,000-home community near the A9 just north of Perth have been approved by Perth and Kinross Council.

The 30-year project, Bertha Park, will cover an area of 333 hectares.

Springfield Properties said Bertha Park phase one is likely to begin in 2017 with 1,100 new homes including private, affordable and retirement accommodation.

New primary and secondary schools are included in the plans, as well as shops, restaurants and medical, leisure and community facilities.

Springfield said the development will be built over 30 years, creating more than 2,000 new jobs as well as sustaining hundreds more in the local area.

“This is a big step forward in a 30 year project and the result of five years of planning and design in partnerships with Perth and Kinross Council,” said Springfield managing director Innes Smith.

“We have set our sights on delivering an exceptional place for people to love and work and we are excited to be bringing Springfield’s award winning homes to Perth.

“We are on track to start building in 2017, initially creating around 450 new jobs and supporting many more.”