It is five years ago since the future of Royal Gunpowder Mills was decided, only for a late intervention to force a second vote.

There was drama as controversial plans for the transformation of a heritage site were approved, before four councillors ‘stood’ and forced a second vote.

At a district development meeting of Epping Forest District Council, seven councillors voted for proposals that would see a new children’s activity centre built at the Royal Gunpowder Mills (RGM) site in Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey.

Despite only six councillors voting against the plans from activity company PGL and the RGM’s charitable foundation, four stood up after the vote was taken – forcing the chairman to send the matter to a larger full council meeting.

The development plans include new accommodation buildings, dining and changing rooms, building conversions for accommodation and classrooms, a new water lake, as well as zip wires and ‘tunnel trails’.

Proposers say the project is “urgently needed” to keep the much-loved attraction open.

Speaking at the meeting, trustee Richard Greaves said: “The embedded visitor attraction is unable to cover its running costs nor generate funds necessary for the proper conservation, restoration and reuse of these assets.”

He added: “The PGL proposals have generated objections, largely based upon fears that the visitor attraction will not survive.

“However, without that change the future of the visitor attraction is under severe threat.

“The current situation is unsustainable and cannot continue.

“Without the PGL scheme it is very likely the visitor attraction will have to close.”

The PGL development has been backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund with a £5million grant.

Numerous groups and people have voiced opposition to the plans, with some of the main concerns including a lack of public consultation, a potential loss of money to the visitor attraction, a negative impact on wildlife and reduced public access.

UKIP councillor Rod Butler spoke against the plans last night, and today he called on fellow councillors to stop “the loss of a local tourist attraction”.

He said: “I understand we are at this point because the attraction is losing money.

“The site needs to be promoted and advertised in a way that reflects the uniqueness of the site itself, and just handing over to PGL will ensure the demise of this local and national piece of history.”

Dave Plummer, Green party district council candidate for Waltham Abbey South West, said: “The vote to approve the plans by seven to six did not fully reflect the main tenor of the debate, which was predominantly opposed to the plans, or the public's position.

“The issue is still being presented as a binary decision but alternative plans have been proposed by Friends of the Royal Gunpowder Mills.

“By referring the decision to a full council meeting the district development management committee has given all of our councillors an opportunity to represent their constituents.”

The next full council meeting is scheduled for May 26.

It has been recommended that the plans are approved at that meeting.