Two blocks of flats have already been demolished

At a special meeting of Ashford Borough Council, they approved the final terms that will unlock government funding to transform the Stanhope Estate.

The agreement leaves the council on course to sign the management of the estate over to Private Finance Initiative partners Chrysalis by April.

Councillor Neil Bell said it was a "bright new chapter" for Stanhope.

"The Stanhope PFI project is now entering the last stages of the detailed negotiation," he said.

"Members' approval was vital in finalising the process."

Following the approval by councillors of contractual and financial details, the government can now approve the final business case for the project.

The scheme will see the demolition of shops and the redevelopment of the commercial area, as well as housing in place of five-storey blocks.