A decision over controversial plans for new homes in a Chiswell Green street was dramatically delayed at the last minute after an administrative error.

Councillors on St Albans City and District Council's Development Management Committee were set to vote on plans for new homes in Tippendell Lane.

The proposals had been met by a raft of objections with a resident and parish councillor both speaking at the meeting to make their voices heard.

But after 20 minutes of debate, Cllr Edgar Hill, chairing the meeting, called a halt to proceedings after it was realised that the plans being voted on contained an administrative error.

Councillors were being asked to vote on the plans under the wrong policy, forcing a swift adjournment of the meeting.

Suggested Reading:

After confusion initially reigned, a motion was passed postponing the application until a later date.

Cllr Hill said: "If anything, it's actually a victory for democracy and the systems that we use. We've been able to point out the errors in the report and this is the first time in many years that something like this has happened."

The committee is next due to meet on September 2, representing the possible date for the rescheduled vote.