THE next phase of a project to knock down and rebuild a run-down estate is looking for approval from councillors.

Residents on the Hardwick estate, in Stockton, have long awaited the regeneration of the drab estate, which is blighted by drugs and crime.

Plans were last week submitted to Stockton Borough Council for the construction of 626 homes and the demolition of 142 properties.

The development, by Barratt and Haslam Homes, will bring one and two-bedroomed apartments, as well as two, three, four and five-bedroomed houses.

Planning officers are looking at the proposals for the area, bounded by Piperknowle Road, Whessoe Road, Whessoe Walk, Wheatley Road, Whickham Road and High Newham Road.

A number of new homes are already taking in residents, including bungalows.

One Hardwick resident, Pamela English, said it was about time the estate had a cash injection," she said.

"I've lived around here all my life and I've seen the whole of Hardwick decline over the years," she said.

"There's problems with drugs, rowdy youths and the houses are in a state.

"Hopefully, when the new houses are built, people will start taking more pride in the community and look after the area."

The development, with an estimated cost of £40m, has been subject to major consultation processes.

Starting in 2004, 2,400 letters were sent to residents, which led to consultation events and one-to-one sessions.

It resulted in more than 70 per cent support for the scheme, with eight per cent against and the remainder unsure or had no opinion.

The most recent consultation, last month, resulted in about 2,500 letters and two sessions held at the local community centre and social club.

A report to the planning committee states that some of the responses from those sessions included: "It is inspiring that Hardwick will get a new lease of life, and one resident wants the flats demolished as soon as possible."

A council spokeswoman said: "Residents, representatives and ward councillors have been closely involved in developing a master plan for Hardwick.

"The wishes of local people have been important in shaping the plans."

The proposals are expected to go before the planning committee within the next two months, when members of the public will be invited to make comments