MP Cheryl Gillan has thrown her weight behind a multi-million pound proposal to transform Chesham as the plans enter a critical phase ahead of an autumn deadline.

Late last month the Chesham and Amersham MP inspected the plan which include replacing St. Mary’s Way with an underpass to allow better movement between shopping, recreational and residential areas.

The eight-point proposal for the redevelopment of the town centre, entitled ‘A Vision for Chesham’, was put together by the Chesham Society and forms part of the new Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan from 2014 to 2036.

The plans will now be fleshed out, including gauging an idea of cost, before being submitted officially to Chiltern District Council.

The former Welsh secretary said: “This is a very exciting proposal for the future of Chesham.

“The proposal is radical, original and has been thoroughly researched along with extensive local consultation.

“It will require substantial capital investment and detailed planning.

“Serious thought must be given to new infrastructure needed as the town expands.

“The development will ensure that it is unnecessary to intrude into the Green Belt which is such a precious asset to the people of Chesham.

“I welcome the time and effort which members of the Chesham Society have dedicated to working on the proposal.”

The Chesham Society saw the Vision is to bring together the three separate elements in the centre of Chesham – the shopping Centre, the Old Town and Lowndes Park – which are currently physically separated by St. Mary’s Way.

The society’s chairman, Tony Molesworth, said: “The proposals will make the town a nicer place to live and would make the town centre vibrant and alive again.

“Certainly the current infrastructure is not good enough for all the houses that are planned to be built in the town. It is a lovely town but some of it needs upgrading.

“We will now start putting together a business plan and financial options and we hope to get back to the council in autumn.”

Other areas of the plan include establishing a new business park of the outskirts of the town and the construction of a new multi-purpose recreation and sporting complex.