An updated plan for a “key” part of the town centre was put on hold last night, after a charity had warned that the process was being "done in haste".

The revised Hosier Street Area Development Framework, which attempts to address the consultation feedback, was expected to be approved at last night’s strategic environment, planning and transport committee (SEPT).

The decision to defer came after Reading Borough Council (RBC) officers failed to include several comments from the Hosier Street Area consultation in the report.

Approval of the framework will now be revisited on December 12, in a separate meeting.

Reading Civic Society said it supports 'the careful and considered redevelopment of the area, but the framework needs further work and further public engagement.

"The two public exhibitions were unimpressive. The process seems to be done in haste."

Officers failed to include comments from several respondents in the papers presented to the committee.

RBC also received a late letter from Historic England putting forward further suggestions for improving the document, which officers felt deserved detailed consideration.

Councillor Debs Absolom, chair of the SEPT committee, said: “I too have had contact from Historic England, who are very interested in this project and think it is good work going forward.

“I agree that we should totally incorporate that.”

The planning framework received criticism from organisations and individuals, including Matt Rodda and Reading's Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

Matt Rodda, East Reading MP, raised concerns over several aspects of the plan, including lack of green space and the height and density of proposed buildings in the area, with further work now being undertaken to address this criticism.

He said: "I am hoping there will be an ongoing dialogue and they will listen. So far they seem to be listening but there is a lot take in."

The new draft also includes commitment to preserve the Cartwheeling Boys and other heritage items in the Russell Street/Castle Hill Conservation Area, after concerns were raised by the CAAC and Reading Civic Society.

The framework covers Hosier Street and the surrounding area and includes sites such as the Broad Street Mall, the former Civic Offices, and the Thames Valley Police headquarters.