A CONTROVERSIAL housing development has been granted planning permission by a single vote.

Work can now start on 14 affordable apartments in The Cornmill in Railway Street, Malton.

Yorkshire Housing Association will build 11 two-bed and three one-bed apartments on the town centre site.

The plans split opinion among members of Ryedale District Council's planning committee.

Councillor Paul Andrews told the meeting: "It is a nice building, but in the wrong place. It will be a nightmare, a disaster."

Committee chairman Councillor Howard Keal said the building would go some way to addressing the district's 1,500-strong waiting list.

He added: "We have a massive shortfall of houses and flats that are affordable. The design actually pays homage to the history and architecture of riverside development in Malton, entirely in keeping with the town's history."