MULTI-MILLION pound plans to redevelop Brentwood town centre including fresh ideas for William Hunter Way have been agreed - in principle.

Brentwood Council decided during an extraordinary council meeting at Town Hall on Monday night to forge ahead with proposals, called the Old Chapel Master Plan.

The aim of the project is to regenerate both the town centre and William Hunter Way following the collapse of renovation plans for the latter in February.

In the new “master plan” there are proposals for are a multiplex cinema, larger shops, more housing and changes to car parks.

Council leader Louise McKinlay, Conservative, said: “I and the council are totally focused on making sure this works.

“It will be put through the procurement process in order to make sure we get what is best deal for Brentwood, not just financially but for the town itself.

“After what happened with William Hunter Way, this will give us a fresh opportunity to look at what we want in Brentwood and give us another chance to deliver something special for Brentwood.”

However, the proposals have been criticised by opposition councillors who feel the Tories are just trying to save face after the William Hunter Way deal collapse.

Lib Dem group leader Barry Aspinell called the master plan a “total shambles”.

Mr Aspinell said: “There is no substance to this any of it and no plans to look at, so essentially it is just fluff put together to try and save a bit of Tory pride after the William Hunter Way debacle.

“The problem is the administration think they know best for Brentwood but they should be going out to consultation to ask everyone in the town what they think is needed.

“In all honesty I think this is another disaster waiting to happen.”