First steps for the major overhaul of a housing estate have been given the green light.

Almost 1,000 homes, new shops, restaurants, are set to be built on the Alma Estate, in South Street, Ponders End, following a planning committee on Tuesday.

Under the plans by Countryside Properties’ scheme the four iconic towers in the estate, Cormorant House, Curlew House, Kestrel House and Merlin House will be demolished along with seven other buildings.

The development is expected to take shape over seven phases of demolition and will be completed by 2026.

The current youth centre will also be demolished to make way for a new youth centre, a gym and medical centre along with a community centre.

Councillor Ahmet Oykener, cabinet member for housing and housing regeneration, said: “The regeneration of the Alma estate and surrounding area is an opportunity to improve the quality of life and housing standards for hundreds of people and transform an iconic part of Ponders End into a more desirable and attractive place in which to live.

“I am therefore delighted that our ambitious but deliverable aspirations for the Alma Estate have been given the green light by the council’s planning committee, and I look forward to development of the site starting as soon as possible.”