Residents in Milnathort are hoping a government department tasked to determine a developer’s appeal to build dozen of homes west of the town will side with officials who said the scheme ought to be refused.Springfield Properties is seeking to overturn Perth and Kinross Council’s decision to deny the company consent to build 67 new properties at Pitdownies Farm off Manse Road earlier this year.Planning officials recommended the application be refused on the grounds the company wants to build a greater number of houses on the site than is specified as suitable for the land in the council’s Local Development Plan.Perth and Kinross pupils could be taught in churches and community hallsHowever agents acting for the Elgin-based builder are now