'Urbanisation'

Over the next 30 years, more than 200,000 homes will be built, much of it on derelict land in north Kent and Essex. But many residents, worried the "garden of England" will become a concrete jungle, believe the south east is already too crowded. 

They say not enough money has been set aside to create a better infrastructure to support the new developments - such as improved transport links.

A Friends of the Earth spokesman feared that in Essex the new building would bring about "an enormous urbanisation".

And opposition MPs feared in Kent, it could lead to a lower standard of living for some people, in areas where there were already shortages of roads, GPs and schools.

The plans have been supported by some, including the Prince's Trust and the Council of Mortgage Lenders - which in the past has praised Mr Prescott's efforts to "address the imbalances in housing supply and demand".

The sites expected to be announced on Wednesday are: 
Stratford in east London 
Greenwich and Woolwich in south east London 
Thurrock in Essex 
Barking in east London