Residents hoping to move into a new Rainham estate this side of Christmas are now being told they will have to wait until the new year.

Homes in New Green, formerly known as Napier and New Plymouth House, were initially intended to become available in November, before being pushed back to December 5.

Havering Council has now confirmed it has decided to move residents into their new homes in the New Year as it awaits final sign-off from building control.

A spokesperson said the council regrets the delay, and that in the meantime, the lettings team are in contact with all residents and will continue to update them on progress.

The new estate is part of the council’s £1 billion 12 Estates programme, run in partnership with Wates Residential. 

It will consist of a total of 197 homes, split between 71 shared ownership and 126 affordable council properties. 

Nine of the shared ownership homes have already been sold, while 90 of the council properties have been placed with local residents. 

Council leader Cllr Ray Morgon said the estate would “provide much-needed homes for our residents who have been patiently waiting to return to the site, as well as help to reduce some of the demand on our housing register”. 

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