A decision on whether a document earmarking almost 16,000 new homes in the Canterbury dsitrict can be put out to consultation has been delayed – because of an administrative error.

Canterbury City Council was today forced to admit it did not advertise the fact its executive committee would be deciding on Monday whether to approve the draft Local Plan for public consultation.

The document proposes 15,600 new homes on sites in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable before 2031.

When making key decisions, councils are required to give a minimum five days’ public notice – something Canterbury’s authority overlooked in this case.

It means the decision will now not be heard until the end of the month, sparking criticism of the council’s handling of the process.

Opposition leader Alex Perkins (Lib Dem) said: “Let's just hope there is no one waiting in a brewery hoping to enjoy a party in the next few days.”

City council leader John Gilbey (Con) admits the delay is frustrating, but claims there was no need to publicise the upcoming decision.

He said: “I don’t think this is a key decision because it’s consultation – it’s not that we’re deciding to do this.

“We’re putting it out there for the public to look at and have their say.

“If there’s any doubt then we will take the safe route and wait a week.

“I’m not happy about losing the time but I’m not prepared to take any chances.”