Chelmsford's gasworks could be swept away under new plans now in the pipeline.

First Sight, the property arm of British Gas, said this week it will be submitting a new scheme for the site in three to six weeks.

A previous plan for a double fronted "mirror" building with a multiplex cinema, a family entertainments centre and a pub-restaurant, has been on the shelf since it was approved six years ago.

Recently the two remaining gas holders have been emptied.

However there is a large piece of kit on the site which controls all piped natural gas for the borough's needs and that still has to be moved elsewhere before the site may be developed.

First Sight says they are waiting for Chelmsford Borough Council to earmark a new site for them.

New leader of Chelmsford Borough Council, Cllr Roy Whitehead, this week welcomed the possible breakthrough.

"The site is desperately in need of development and is holding up everything in that part of town so the sooner the better from every viewpoint I would have thought.

"As far as us identifying a site for the gas valve is concerned, I don't think it is our responsibility other than to give the developer any help he needs.

First Sight said this week it had written to the council about an environmental survey on the site and asked for the existing planning permission which is almost out of time to be extended.

But their spokeswoman added: "However I am told that we shall be making a completely new application for the site in three to six weeks."

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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