PLANS to transform Meadway Precinct in Tilehurst into a vibrant shopping hub have been put on hold.

It has been suggested for many years that the Honey End Lane retail park undergo a much-needed facelift after a lack of investment.

The proposal for the installation of new shops and extension of the existing precinct was expected to be approved on January 11, but the council has decided that they must carry out a site visit before giving it the green light.

At a council planning meeting on Wednesday evening, Cllr Marian Livingston said: "It has been a very long time since the last visit. There has been a considerable amount of changing of personnel in that time and we would therefore like to carry out a proper inspection of the site."

The precinct opened in 1967, closely followed by the development of the Asda supermarket in the 1970s, but the site has become run down in recent years to due a certain amount of neglect.

Subject to approval, residential units on the precinct above existing shops will be kept and undergo significant improvements.

New lifts, CCTV cameras and improved lighting will all be installed, while pedestrian walkways are expected to be re-laid.

Developers, Chillingham Ltd, are aiming to keep key shops in the future, with Asda and Boots both being seen as important servants of the community despite the deterioration of the area.

Plans to rejuvenate Meadway have been in the pipeline since 2009, after several public consultations revealed the frustration of Tilehurst residents at the lack of attention given to the precinct.

No date for the site inspection has been decided as yet.