THE regeneration of East London’s biggest housing estate has moved a step closer after families met council officials to pour over the plans and ideas for the future. Tower Hamlets council has been holding consultations on Stepney’s Ocean Estate

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THE regeneration of East London's biggest housing estate has moved a step closer after families met council officials on Saturday to pour over the plans and ideas for the future.

Officials from Tower Hamlets council have been holding consultations on Stepney's Ocean Estate over the last few months.

They returned with 'feedback' on the proposals for 800 new homes and the refurbishment of 1,200 flats built in the 1950s with new kitchens, bathrooms, wiring or floor coverings.

The families were shown examples of what the new buildings could look like and discussed different options of design, as well as new play areas and open spaces.

"It's been a lengthy process so far," said the authority's Lead Member for Regeneration Rania Khan.

"But it's worth it because decisions being made today will have an impact on families for years to come."

Contractors working who have begun demolishing the first of 13 bocks also came along to Saturday's community consultation to hear first hand from the tenants and answer technical questions.

The Ocean Estate was at the centre of Tower Hamlets' controversial 'Housing Choice' programme three years ago when tenants voted overwhelmingly against being handed over to a private housing association and to remain under local authority control.