PERMISSION has been granted for the next stage in the regeneration of a notorious housing estate.

Greenwich Council has approved the second phase of Kidbrooke’s Ferrier Estate redevelopment project.

Topping out of the first buildings in the £1bn redevelopment by Berkeley Homes recently began and now construction will move on to another 710 homes.

Deputy leader of Greenwich Council Cllr Peter Brooks said: “The council's vision for Kidbrooke, shared by local residents, is to create new homes fit for the 21st century.

News Shopper: An artist impression of the plans

“Phase Two of the Kidbrooke regeneration project will enable us to take a huge step towards that vision, providing a valuable mix of housing suitable for the local community."

Overall, the plan will see around 4,000 homes built on the site, along with a new school, community, healthcare and leisure facilities.

Some groups have criticised the project, pointing out that there will not be enough affordable homes.

Chairman of the Ferrier Residents Action Group, Nick Russell, said: "There were 1,740 rented homes on this estate.

"What is now being provided is 437 normal rented homes plus 303 special elderly units. It's a short fall of 1,000."

A council spokesman responded to Mr Russell by saying: "The Ferrier estate was made up of 1,732 socially rented homes, together with 174 leasehold or freehold.

"The masterplan for the Kidbrooke redevelopment includes outline approval for 4,000 homes in the Kidbrooke area - 1,525 affordable homes - along with the provision of community and social facilities for the area.

"Phases 1, 2 and 2A have since been given detailed planning approval. Further phases will be presented in due course bringing the total for the Kidbrooke masterplan to 4,000 homes (1,525 affordable).

"There are three further sites to come forward in the wider Kidbrooke area that will provide the balance of affordable homes."

The second phase deals with the western section of the estate and will provide three to four storey family housing and apartments overlooking a new landscaped park.

This will complement the 449 homes from phase one.

The Ferrier estate was built in 1974 but over the years has become run-down and heavily vandalised while its residents have suffered huge problems with pests including rats and mice.