A plan for a major development of a seven-acre site in Epping, which could include a cinema, homes and office space, has moved a step closer.

Epping Forest District Council’s (EFDC) cabinet last night agreed the terms of the sale of the site in St John’s Road, which includes the former Epping Primary School, Epping Hall and a council depot, to Frontier Estates Epping Ltd.

This follows the agreement of Epping Town Council and the proposal will now be considered by Essex County Council for final approval.

Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder for EFDC, Anne Grigg, said: “I and my cabinet colleagues will seek the best possible outcome for the district in financial, economic development and planning terms.”

Plans for the area include a three-screen cinema, a town square, a small supermarket, office space including new premises for Epping Town Council, new homes and a car park.

For more on this story, see this week's Epping Forest Guardian - out Thursday