The site is the first of a ’12 Estates’ regeneration programme, which will see around 5,200 homes delivered in Havering over the next 12 to 15 years.

Havering Council and Wates Residential are joint venture partners in the project to demolish and rebuild the Napier and New Plymouth House site in Rainham.

The plans must now be rubber-stamped by London’s mayor before the final decision is issued.

The overall programme aims to double the amount of council rented accommodation and more than double the number of affordable housing.

As part of the project, Havering Council and Wates Residential have pledged to deliver a borough-wide legacy by investing in education, training and skills opportunities, and by employing local businesses to work on the scheme.

Kilnbridge Construction Services, which has offices in Rainham, was awarded a contract to undertake controlled demolition of Napier and New Plymouth House, and a two-storey car park on Dunedin Road.

Kate Ives, Development Director for Wates Residential, said: “This is fantastic news for Havering. We have been working closely with our JV partner to ensure that the new homes in Havering are high-quality and fit in with the unique feel of local area.

“The public consultations have been really helpful in identifying what local residents want to see from the borough’s largest regeneration project and we look forward to starting construction in spring 2020.”