DESPITE strong local opposition and many lengthy delays, Grassington's long-awaited affordable housing development could be under way in a matter of weeks.

Negotiations between the contractor and Home Housing are in their final stages and construction could begin this month.

A legal "section 106" agreement which was vital to the scheme's success was signed with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority last week.

Now, with the legalities tied up, negotiations with the contractors can be finalised for the eight-house development at Garrs End Lane.

The scheme includes four three-bedroom and four two-bedroom properties, along with 12 car parking spaces.

Home Housing development manager Richard Burnham said: "The first job will be to carry out the highways work down Garrs End Lane. The construction work on the houses will follow on very swiftly."

A timetable for the whole project should be released by Home Housing before the end of the month.

The housing association drew up its plans after a housing needs survey was carried out in the village in 2002, which revealed that local people would need 95 houses within the next 10 years.

Grassington Parish Council chairman Eric Rowley welcomed news that work was due to start on the affordable housing development.

He said: "It can only be a good thing. We on the parish council always supported it."

Approval for the scheme was granted in August last year after three years of planning discussions and eight months of delays with the decision-making process.

Controversy has dogged the application since it was first submitted, with residents divided over the project.

The protestors included the Garrs End Lane Conservation Group whose supporters highlighted safety concerns and claimed the development would lead to a loss of a quiet amenity and public view.