PLANS to partly demolish the Eastgate Shopping Centre and build 2,800 homes have been agreed despite calls to defer the decision for more talks. Conservatives wanted to delay a decision on the plan after claiming Essex County Council had not assessed and responded properly to the proposals. But Basildon councillors hit back, insisting there had been discussions and time for responses. The project will see 2,800 flats built and the Asda store demolished and rebuilt in a smaller store in the centre. The development would create 600 new jobs. Hundreds of flats, which will include student accommodation and affordable homes, will then be built on top of the relocated Asda.