Residents of an estate in Norbiton, which is currently undergoing a regeneration, will miss another Christmas at home for the second year running.

Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) residents received an email last week informing them that their move in date has been postponed until the new year.

The email by Elaine Taylor says: "We a writing to update you on the timetable for moving into the first new homes being regenerated at Cambridge Road Estate.

"The new homes in the first two blocks are now largely complete, and feedback from residents you have visited has been very positive. However, during technical testing, we have identified issues within the communal heating system which needs to be resolved.

"We want to make sure every home is heated properly and has hot water from the day you move in. Taking time now to make sure it all works avoids disruption later, and insures your new home meets the highest standards expected from day one.

"This means that your move will now take place in the new year.

"We know that this news may be disappointing, especially for those hoping to move into their new home before the end of this year. We apologise for the delay and genuinely appreciate continued patience during these final, essential steps.

"The CRE housing team will contact you in January 2026 with a further update on progress and timelines."

The first lot of residents initially expected to move in to CRE in December 2024, but this did not happen.

Plans for the next stage of the CRE regeneration were unveiled in September of this year.

The 832-home estate is being knocked down in phases to deliver 2,170 new homes in a scheme led by Kingston Council and Countryside Partnerships.

CGI of the second phase of the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration (Credit: BPTW/Kingston Council/Countryside Partnerships)

Outline plans for the full redevelopment of the 1960s and 1970s estate were approved in 2022, with detailed planning applications coming forward for each phase. Construction work on the first phase of the regeneration, making up 452 new homes, began in late 2022 and is ongoing.

A detailed planning application to bring forward 383 new homes in the second phase of the regeneration was submitted, including 94 council homes, across the western part of the 1960s and 1970s estate.

A total of 258 homes in seven existing buildings are set to be demolished for the new homes, which are planned for taller blocks reaching up to 13 storeys tall.

A total of 122 car parking spaces are set to be provided in this phase of the scheme, along with 711 cycle parking spaces. The proposals include 99 new trees and a landscaped green area.

Planning documents said the second phase aims to "significantly improve the quality of housing and environment for current residents".

The documents added: "The regeneration of Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) is a significant opportunity to deliver on the potential of this large residential site, and to rebuild an urban community around green streets and open spaces, alongside key infrastructure improvements.

"Based in the largest extant estate in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, the development will replace and increase the current housing stock, providing larger, more efficient modern dwellings as well as much-needed new shared equity and private market homes.

"The Phase 2 proposal will knit into Phase 1 and the existing surrounding area to create an attractive, well connected, sustainable place for people to live, work and socialise."

A total of 1,335 homes are still left to be provided across remaining phases of the scheme. The estate will have 871 new council homes once the regeneration is complete, which is 218 more than on the original estate.

The council's Planning Committee will make a final decision on the phase two application in due course.