Orchard Village gets go-ahead for phase two

Circle Anglia has secured planning permission and funding for the second phase of its £80m regeneration of Orchard Village in the London borough of Havering, as foundations for the first phase are complete.

Planning permission for phase two has been granted by the council, and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has approved almost £15m in grant support for the regeneration of the estate, which is managed by Old Ford Housing Association.

The second phase of the regeneration will deliver 178 new affordable homes. Contractor Willmott Dixon Housing and PRP Architects are working with Circle Anglia on the scheme. Demolition and building work on the second phase should start early next year.

Demolition of the first tower blocks for phase one began in November 2009 and the foundations for the first new homes have been laid.

Tenants are expected to start moving into phase one's 121 new homes early in 2011. The project will deliver 555 new homes in total over the six years of the project.

Paul Newbold, group head of development at Circle Anglia, said: “This demonstrates the power of partnerships and we are pleased with the continued support of the borough and HCA. It is a great example of housing associations joining together with residents, the HCA and a local authority to create a vibrant new community which will enhance life chances for generations to come.”