A plan to build a £50million cinema and leisure development near the Southend seafront will move forward after councillor agreed to give the developer “one more chance”.

The plan to redevelop the Seaway car park into a major new leisure complex has been engulfed in controversy over the past 12 months, with the council being accused of undervaluing the site and making deals that will result in a poor return for the public.

Furthermore, the developer Turnstone failed to meet obligations in a contract which said they need to gain planning permission by December last year.

On Thursday night councillors scrutinised members of the cabinet over the benefits to the town and the issues that could be created, including damage to other businesses on the High Street. While there was division across the chamber, including within parties, the majority voted the contract be extended into 2020.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, leader of the Labour Group, said he felt “reluctant” to agree to the extension but some of the delays to the project had been caused by the council and Turnstone should be given “one more chance”.

Independent Councillor Ron Woodley said he agreed with Mr Gilbert and “it is now up to Turnstone to get their act together on one final chance”. He added the contract would not be extended again.