The Mayor of London has approved plans to build 4,000 new houses on Kidbrooke's Ferrier estate, 38 per cent of which will be affordable homes.

Boris Johnson's decision to radically redevelop one of the largest and most deprived housing estates in the capital will also bring a new commercial and retail hub, as well as a variety of community facilities.

The local primary school will be replaced and plans for a new open recreational space for residents and visitors are also in the works.

Speaking about the proposed redevelopment, Mr Johnson said the plans reflect his commitments to support London's economy and transform the quality of life for thousands of local people.

He commented: "For far too long the residents of this estate have suffered as a result of poor, ill thought out design and planning.

"Now we have the chance to put that right."

The mayor recently pledged to halve severe overcrowding in London's social housing sector by 2016

Source: Direct News 6/6/09