The agreement between English Partnerships, Basildon District Council and Swan Housing Group, lays down all the terms between the three parties and ensures the development will go ahead.

Work on the scheme will be carried out over twelve years and will see 1,310 new homes built.

In addition to housing, a new spine road will be built which will run through the centre of the estate.

A new adult education centre will be built as well as a community hall, medical centre, social services office space and new shops.

Councillor Tony Ball, Basildon cabinet member for housing, said: "I'm sure that Crayland's residents will be as pleased as I am that we have reached this position and that the the uncertainty is over.

"The partners will now be working closely with the residents to enhance and transform the whole area".