A new expert panel has been formed to explore how best to regenerate some of the most deprived estates in Britain.

The 17-strong panel, co-chaired by Lord Heseltine and Housing Minister Brandon Lewis, will look at how an estates layout can be best used to deliver more buy and rent housing.

In addition, the group will also ensure strong protections are in place for existing residents to give them the right to return to their communities.

A national estate regeneration strategy will be drawn up by the task force, who will work alongside 100 estates to tackle deprivation and kick-start regeneration.

The panel met for the first time at the York Road Estate in Battersea, where plans are being developed for a major regeneration scheme.

The members are:

• Councillor Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council


• Nicholas Boys Smith, director of Create Streets

• Andrew Boff, leader of the Greater London Authority Conservatives housing group

• Elaine Bailey, chief executive, from Hyde Housing Association

• Paul Tennant, chief executive from Orbit Housing Association

• Tony Pidgley, chief executive of Berkeley Homes

• Peter Vernon, chief executive of Grosvenor Estates

• Jane Duncan, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

• Ben Bolgar, director of Design Theory and Networks at the Prince's Foundation

• Dominic Grace, head of London Residential Development at estates agents Savills

• Emma Cariaga from the British Land and Thames Valley Housing Association

• David Budd, Mayor of Middlesbrough

• Natalie Elphicke, chief executive of the Housing & Finance Institute

• Graham Allen, MP for Nottingham North

• Félicie Krikler, director at Assael Architecture

Lord Heseltine said: "Estates regeneration is key to transforming the lives of people living on poorly designed housing projects. The panel will provide expert advice, support and explore innovative funding solutions to drive forward the regeneration of estates around the country.

"However, I am clear that this has to be locally led and we must work with the residents of such estates. I now want to see local communities coming forward with innovative ideas to achieve desirable neighbourhoods that local people can be proud of."

The Prime Minister announced last month that £140m would be released to jump-start the regeneration.

(LM/MH)