PREPARATIONS are under way to demolish three estates.

The plans, which will affect 1,064 homes, form part of the Woolwich Estates Renewal project, which received backing from Greenwich Council on December 19.

Woolwich estates Connaught, Morris Walk and Maryon Grove are all going to be rebuilt and the council decision means more detailed project planning can now take place.

Planners hope to build affordable homes and redesign the estates' layout with improved accessibility and public spaces.

The new homes will also be energy-efficient.

The coouncil will now put together detailed plans to rehouse people while the work is under way and to buy back homes from around 100 leaseholders across the three estates.

Housing officers have been talking to residents sinceFebruary last year about their housing needs, such as the size of their families, the type of home they prefer and where they would like to live.

Officers say out of 139 queries received about the plans, only three have been opposed to the proposals.

Deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Peter Brooks said: "What's so exciting about this project is it specifically benefits the people of Woolwich; those people who already live here.

"We've still got a lot to do and we will be working closely with residents to support them as much as possible throughout this period of change.

"I am confident the final outcome will really benefit our residents and will be a major asset to Woolwich."

The work will be carried out in phases, but the aim is for tenants to start being rehoused in the summer, with further consultation taking place during the year.