Debate over a controversial affordable housing project planned for East Wareham ended Wednesday night as the Zoning Board of Appeals granted developers final approval.

Nearly a year and a half after plans were first presented, construction may begin on the 150-unit apartment complex, which will consist of six, three- and four-story buildings at the intersection of Red Brook Road and Cranberry Highway. In addition to the apartment buildings, plans call for constructing a community building, recreation space and parking lots.

Dubbed Woodland Cove, the project is slightly smaller than what Waltham-based developer Dakota Partners first presented. A long list of conditions imposed by the Zoning Board of Appeals reshaped plans, the biggest change being a decrease in the number of apartments. Originally, Dakota Partners proposed building 174-units.

According to Dakota Partner’s attorney Peter Freeman the developer will now start applying for affordable housing tax credits from the state. He said construction could begin as soon as next spring. However, Freeman noted that was just an estimate.

Plans were first unveiled in June 2017 and sparked an outcry from Selectmen, the Onset Board of Water Commissioners and many residents. Selectmen and Onset Water Commissioners formally came out against the project saying a project that size would impact a myriad of town services, including Fire, Police, water, sewer and schools.

Despite these concerns officials couldn’t take action because Woodland Cove enjoys special protections under Chapter 40B, the state’s affordable housing law.

Under Chapter 40B, local zoning regulations are relaxed for developers in towns where less than 10 percent of homes or apartments are considered affordable. In Wareham, 7.7 percent of residences are deemed affordable. Once the project is built it will increase the amount of affordable housing in town by 2 percentage points, just shy of the 10 percent threshold.

During a public hearing that spanned months, residents voiced concerns on traffic, water quality, landscaping and sewer systems.

Because Zoning Board members were limited on what conditions they could impose, an outside consultant, Paul Haverty, was hired to navigate the complex process. The Zoning Board earned some concessions from Dakota Partners related to parking, landscaping, trash removal and other areas.

On Wednesday, no residents appeared to voice concerns. After a final review of the plans the Zoning Board unanimously approved the project.

“We appreciate it very much,” Freeman told members. “Thank you for all your hard work.”