THE rebirth of a troubled housing estate is becoming a reality after plans for its redevelopment were approved.

The rundown Hardwick estate, in Stockton, is to be demolished and replaced with more than 600 private and housing association properties.

On Wednesday, Stockton Borough Council's planning committee agreed the work could start, enabling Haslam and Barratt Homes to start building.

The £40m development will be built within the parameters of Piperknowle Road, Whessoe Road, Whessoe Walk, Wheatley Road, Whickham Road and High Newham Road.

It will consist of one and two-bedroomed apartments, and two, three, four and five-bedroomed homes, the majority of which will be privately-owned. The housing association properties will be scattered around the new estate, rather than built in one area.

Most of the homes will have a garage and parking, and a large central open space will be created for walking, ball games, sports and play.

There will also be areas of green space throughout the development.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Eaglescliffe Maureen Rigg was concerned about how environmentally-friendly the houses were and was told by officers that all the homes would meet present standards.

She said: "I don't think the present guidelines go far enough. I think people would be prepared to pay more for their home if they were saving £200 a year on bills."