Plans for up to 350 new homes in Heston have moved a step closer after housing chiefs signed a £53million deal with builders.

The project covering six estates across the town, which is scheduled to take five years, will be completed by Lovell and Hounslow Homes, the council's leisure arm, is confident the work will make a significant dent in the borough's 11,000-strong housing waiting list.

It is one of four major new social housing developments in the pipeline, with extra homes also planned at Convent Way Estate in Heston, Manor Lane Estate in Feltham and Beavers Lane Estate in Hounslow West.

Lovell has already been awarded a s6million contract to build nearly 20 new flats and houses in Convent Way, the second stage of regeneration at the 400-home estate.

Old garages at the site have been knocked down and work is due to begin next month, with the first homes expected to be ready within 12 months.

The most controversial plans are for the estates in Heston, especially Brabazon Road, where Hounslow Homes wants to build 122 new homes.

Residents (pictured) campaigning to save playing fields on the estate have formed their own residents' association, which meets for the first time on Thursday at 6pm in 15 Wright Road, Heston.

Sandra Middleton, who is leading the protests, this week called for a new community hub and play area to be included as part of the scheme.

"Hundreds of children use the fields every week and they need somewhere they can meet," she said.