WORK is due to start this spring on a controversial Keighley housing development.

Persimmon Homes is building 124 properties on a greenfield site in Occupation Lane.

The scheme – comprising two, three and four-bedroom homes – is expected to take about three years to complete.

Residents living close to the site and ward councillors vehemently fought against the proposals, claiming the plot was unsuitable and voicing fears about increased traffic levels.

More than 150 objections were lodged.

Bradford councillors rejected the scheme, but the Planning Inspectorate subsequently overturned the decision on appeal.

Keighley West ward councillor, Brian Morris, who was among opponents, this week reiterated his fears and pledged to closely monitor the work.

“I understand the initial work will be to provide access to the site for construction vehicles,” he said.

“It is inevitable that issues will arise. One of the main concerns from the start about this development has been traffic. To have HGVs thundering up and down the road to the site is simply not going to be safe.

“I sympathise with residents, who will have to live with this. But they have my assurance I will be watching very carefully and monitoring what goes on.”

Persimmon Homes said it always strived to minimise disruption wherever it was building.

Managing director, Wayne Gradwell, said: "We are working in line with the parameters of our planning permission to deliver an access road at the site.”

The Keighley scheme, known as Branshaw Park, is among several across the region the firm will be starting work on this year.

Mr Gradwell said the outlook for the company was positive following a hugely successful 2016.

“Last year, our legal completions across the UK increased by 599 new homes to 15,171 and sales throughout the autumn season were very healthy,” he added.

“Looking ahead, we have already forward-sold many homes. The value of our forward sales at December 31, 2016, was about £1.23 billion, which is 12 per cent ahead of where we were the previous year.

“Our focus for the region is to continue to deliver the types of homes required by people looking to get onto the property ladder and families looking to move up and grow.”

“The Government’s hugely successful Help to Buy scheme is supporting many people looking to purchase, by ensuring they only require a five per cent deposit.”

Persimmon is also continuing with its Community Champions programme, which has so far donated more than £1 million to good causes. Visit persimmonhomes.com/charity for details.