PLANS to regenerate a Stockton housing estate have won support in a public consultation, paving the way for the development to start in the next 18 months.

The £30m project for the Hardwick estate includes a range of housing, from bungalows to family homes. They will be developed by Stockton Borough Council, Endeavour Housing Association, Tees Valley Housing Association and private house builders. They include 40 family homes by Endeavour, funded through £3.3m of Housing Corporation grant; a £6m Extra Care Scheme for elderly and frail people, funded by the Housing Corporation, which Endeavour and the council propose to develop into a retirement village; and a new £3m Hardwick Primary School.

In July, more than 350 households from the estate took part in a consultation exercise. A report to be considered by members of Stockton council tomorrow shows 73 per cent of those who participated supported the plans.

Councillor Martyn Ingram, the council's cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "We have involved the local community in drawing up the proposals from the outset and the results are very supportive.

"What makes this scheme so exciting is its scope and vision, it is a top-quality regeneration scheme designed to provide a high-quality and attractive place to live.

"We have so far successfully rehoused 200 residents and are committed to dealing with all residents sensitively to ensure their new homes meet their personal needs and aspirations."

The Hardwick Partnership has worked with the council to develop the plan.

Maureen McLaren, partnership chairwoman and a local resident, said: "The result of the consultation is great news and means we are one step closer to realising the vision for Hardwick."

If cabinet members support the proposals, then the development plans can be finalised.

An outline planning application will be submitted early in the New Year and a development partner selected in spring to draw up detailed plans ready for work to begin in mid-2006.