A decision on a proposed literary hub for Norwich has been delayed after a technical glitch on a council website meant people were unable to comment on the plans.

The plans, which would see Gladstone House in St Giles transformed into a National Centre for Writing, with facilities for writers and translators in residence and an auditorium for literary performances, were due to go before Norwich city councillors today.

But problems with the council's website meant people believed that the consultation had finished when in fact it had not, so councillors have put off any decision until April 3. People now have until March 13 to make their comments on the proposal.

The plans had been recommended for approval by officers, though concerns had been raised by heritage groups over harm caused to Gladstone House, a former home of the Liberal Party in Norwich and an official residence of the Sheriff of Norwich.

Council officers explained to the planning committee today that 'technical problems' on the council's website meant people trying to comment before the consultation was complete had been met with error messages.