More than 100 people living in a Harrow housing estate gathered to ensure their voices will be heard in a £90 million redevelopment of their homes.

Harrow Council is planning to demolish the existing 282 homes in the Grange Farm Estate and replace them with around 568 new houses and flats.

The regeneration project, part of the authority's 'homes for Harrow' programme, has been largely supported by the estate's residents who are happy to upgrade their ageing apartments and bungalows on the border of South Harrow and Harrow-on-the-Hill.

But concerns were raised on Saturday, April 16, when the Grange Farm community attended a first residents' meeting at the British Legion, Northolt Road.

Ken Woods, chairman of the steering group, said: "This is the first event organised by residents – for residents. We are overjoyed with the great turn out and it’s a testament to the power of door knocking and speaking directly with people."

The steering group has working with Harrow Council and Hawkins/Brown architects to help make sure commitments are kept to deliver the best redevelopment in possible.

One of the key priorities identified at the meeting is that the council should sign up to a neighbourhood agreement, which acts as a contract with the community to help tackle immediate issues of anti-social behaviour, parking, rubbish and a lack of community activities.

A number of residents said they were still waiting for a council visit to help determine their future housing options.

Other residents believed the council must undertake a survey of the different cultural needs and consider support for frail and vulnerable members of the community.

Bill Beardon, vice chairman, encouraged residents to come forward and help design the green areas and play spaces that will help to improve health and well-being.

Paddy Lyne, chairman Harrow Federation of Tenants & Residents Association, who also attended the meeting, said: "The steering group should be very proud of themselves.

"What started as a group of people who didn't know each other has now resulted in a tight knit band of neighbours working for the benefit of their estate.

"This open meeting is a credit for all their hard and dedicated work over the past months. I am proud to have been included with them."

Resident Fiona Allen said: "The community are firmly behind the steering group. Residents are finally taking the lead and that can only be a positive thing for the future of Grange Farm."

Chantelle Barker, of One Enterprise, an independent tenant advisors team working with the steering group, said she was totally amazed by the turnout.

She said: "For the first time a number of young people have come forward and want to be part of the steering group or to be actively involved in helping design the new neighbourhood."