Work on a controversial housing development on the edge of Snowdonia National Park is set to begin this month, three years after the first proposal was put forward.

Planning permission was given to residential home builder Beech Developments to go ahead with the Sychnant Pass housing development, named Oakwood, which will see 83 homes constructed on the site.

The plan for 93 homes at Sychnant Pass Road, Conwy, was denied planning permission by councillors two years ago, against the recommendation of officers.

Beech Developments have waited for more than 38 months for the plans to be approved to create new homes and fulfil a portion of the housing target, to meet local demand.

Mr Gilmartin said: "We are thrilled that Oakwood has been passed. We have a long list of over 1,000 people looking for new homes in the Conwy area, and so many ready to put down deposits on houses that aren’t even built here yet.

“Despite the growing pressure for new homes in the county, it is staggering the expense and delay not just for us but for all taxpayers for this near three-year process.

"There is a real need for good quality, sustainable and well-designed housing in the county and the 83 homes will be a good addition to the supply."

The 83 homes will be made up of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom properties, with selected homes available through the Help to Buy-Wales scheme.

The development will feature a children’s play area, cycle path, improved roads in and around the scheme, as well as additional open green spaces.

Work on Oakwood, set to start this month, will be carried out by a local workforce and several Conwy-based contractors.

Mr Gilmartin said: “For the local economy this is great news. We can start to employ tradesmen again and give work to local businesses we have supported for over 24 years in development in North Wales.”