The end is nigh for Stanwell's tin shack shame after plans for Spelthorne's largest-ever housing development were submitted.

The first phase of Stanwell's New Start regeneration project was handed to Spelthorne Council along with an application for outline planning permission for the rest of the site on Monday, April 28.

When complete, it will see 164 homes, including the British Iron and Steel Federation steel-framed homes in Explorer Avenue, Mulberry Avenue, Holywell Way, Holywell Close, Longford Way, Longford Avenue, Laburnum Way and Long Lane, replaced with a mix of private and rented houses.

The first phase area is adjacent to Victory Close and includes the vacant land surrounded by hoarding.

Council leader Coun John Packman spoke of the challenges involved in such a large project and was pleased to have housing association A2 on board as partners.

He said: "It has taken time to get to this stage but it's well worth waiting for, with residents playing an important rolel in the consultation."

A2 is proposing a small public open space with a play area for younger children in Victory Close.

The proposals have been shaped following consultation with residents.

Development team member Andrew McLuskey said: "The main unresolved issue is making sure that those who are temporarily rehoused are done so satisfactorily.

"These houses desperately need knocking down but the question now is that the decanting is done properly."

The area will be developed in four phases to help A2 to keep disruption is kept to a minimum.

A2 have put forward a number of proposals to the council, including buying properties to use as temporary accommodation during the project.

The A2 Stanwell New Start team hold regular surgeries at the Community House, Laburnum Way, on Tuesday mornings 9am to 12pm and Thursday afternoons 2pm to 5pm.

For further details call 0845 408 6780.