A new timetable is being drawn up for two documents which will shape the future of Norwich.

It comes as local authorities up and down the country await changes to the national planning system the government is due to make in March.

Norwich City Council's site allocations development plan, and the development management policies plan have been the focus of extensive public consultation.

The first identifies potential sites across the city to be considered for development and the second sets out the policies to manage development in the city up to 2026, and to ensure they are well designed and protect and enhance Norwich's environment.

The council's intention was to have these ready for the next stage of consultation at the start of 2012, ready for adoption later in the year or in early 2013.

But, to fit in with the government's National planning policy framework, due this spring, these will go back for final public consultation in autumn for adoption the following autumn.

Bert Bremner, cabinet member for planning and transportation said: 'It's vital we get this local planning framework right as this is so important for the future prosperity, jobs and homes for the city.

'It is inevitable that some will find this delay disappointing, as we do, but we are confident that making sure we get these plans right and in line with national policy is the best course of action.'