THE final stage of the re-development of the once-notorious Five Links estate has been given the go-ahead by council chiefs.

Basildon Council's cabinet voted unanimously in favour of stage three of the plans, which will see nearly 600 new homes built there.

The first two stages of the £30million regeneration will see 386 homes erected by July 2006, while the final stage will see a further 199 homes built by the completion of the project in 2009.

Cabinet member for housing, Tony Ball, said the scheme, which started in 1995, would help improve the quality of life of those living on the estate.

He said: "The massive investment we have put into the future of Five Links has already improved things.

"It is leaving the old stigmas behind and is becoming a place with homes that people can be proud to live in."