A much-anticipated meeting about the controversial Tolworth Tower development that was due to be discussed next week has been delayed.

A development control committee was due to talk over the proposals to build four new mixed use buildings next to the distinctive tower on December 7 – but this has now been postponed.

The building currently houses the Broadway Bar, Garner’s funeral directors, Costa coffee shop and Boots. These could be knocked down to be replaced with largely residential buildings.

A number of councillors and Tolworth residents have spoken out against the plans.

Councillor Richard Hudson, who gave up his position as chair to start a campaign against overdevelopment in the area, said: "My understanding is that the developer is considering the issues the strength of our Tolworth Deserves Better campaign has highlighted along with the concerns expressed by councillors at the previous development control committee meeting."

It is thought any changes would be dealt with under the current application but developers CNM Estates have deferred the meeting with no new date set.

Coun Hudson added: "We must be under no illusion that this site will be developed, it is a case of making sure we get the best we can for the area and us as residents.

"After all we live and work here and developers don't."