Wakefield Council's cabinet is due to hear reports recommending a preferred bidder for the long-awaited project on October 28.

Desperate householders launched a last-ditch legal challenge to save their homes after the council slapped a compulsory purchase order on the estate in December.

Less than 20 residents still live in the area plagued by arson attacks and vandalism.

Adrian Cottingham, of Girnhill Lane, said: "Our legal representatives believe we have such a strong case for a judicial review that residents will not have to pay a penny.

"We haven't been told anything about developers but we will work with them and the council as long as we get a house for a house."

Council chiefs plan to flatten and rebuild 170 houses to regenerate the former National Coal Board estate.

Defiant residents say they have been offered between £40,000 and £70,000 for their properties but refuse to budge until they get a like for like offer.

Mr Cottingham said: "The estate is abandoned, arson attacks continue and it's like a jungle here.

"It's getting worse but what can we do? We are trapped.

"The little we were offered isn't enough to buy a property even with the housing market crashing."

Featherstone councillor Kay Binnersley said: "It's about time we were at this stage.

"I hope the developer will work with residents so a deal can be struck."

A council spokeswoman said the authority could not give the Express details of the preferred developer before the cabinet meeting because it was "sensitive commercial information".

She added: "No work will start until the developer is announced.

"The council will continue to work with residents to help them relocate."