The old bus station will be demolished

The Riverlights development has attracted fierce opposition since plans were drawn up.

Those fighting the plans have now focussed on the main building which the developer wants to be a large modern, angular glass structure.

This was expected to have been approved by the city council on Thursday night but the decision was deferred.

Building 'needed'

Most of the planning permissions needed to press ahead with the development have already been granted.

But at the council meeting, protestors voiced their concerns over developer MetroHolst's new-look design.

Many feel the plans, which replace a rotunda-style entrance, are out of keeping with the surrounding area and larger than the original.

But the deputy leader, councillor Philip Hickson, is still confident the plans will go ahead.

"There was cross party agreement - and still is - that what we need is a modern, futuristic looking building on that site," he said.

"We are going to get a marvellous new bus station with associated facilities fit for the 21st century, for this city, to take the city forward."