Councillors were expected to approve the next stage in the delay-hit regeneration of Harrow's largest affordable housing estate.

Housing association Home is midway through its £100m project to systematically tear down decrepit flats and homes and build modern replacements at the Rayners Lane Estate in South Harrow. The project started in March 2003.

The work is years behind schedule and residents have complained over and over again about not only the hold up, but also about the poor living conditions they have to endure in the meantime.

But both Home and residents' representations told the Observer this week that relations have improved and problems are being fixed.

Council reports show phases A to D are being completed, with 423 new properties already finished, and yesterday evening (Wednesday), Harrow Council's strategic planning committee was recommended to grant planning permission for phases E to H.

The streets affected by the next installment of rebuilding include Rayners Lane, Maryatt Avenue, Coles Crescent, Eliot Drive and

Austen Road. In these streets, Home wants to demolish 276 flats and maisonettes and construct 339 houses and flats, 275 parking spaces, public open spaces and a new street.

The regeneration project is being part-funded by the sale of more than 300 new properties.

On July 11, Gareth Thomas, Labour MP for Harrow West, chaired a public meeting at The Beacon Centre, in Coles Crescent, to confront issues on the estate.

A Home spokesman said: "A full update on the programme was provided so residents waiting for new houses know exactly when they could expect to move in to their properties.

"Home revealed it would now definitely be allocating four new properties, that were originally to be sold, for rent, and would examine whether it could secure funding from the Housing Corporation to convert more sale properties to rent.

"This will have a positive impact on the speed of the rehousing process."

Margaret Opare, chairwoman of the Rayners Lane Estate and Tenants and Residents' Association, said: "To be honest, at the moment, Home is listening to us and tackling most of the issues.

"If we carry on in this way, I think that in a few months, the estate will be a changed place."