A packed public gallery heard over 90 minutes of wrangling about the plans, focussing on car parking and access to the community centre.

Councillor Lindsay Ferris said that the details of the drawings had changed markedly over the last month, some as late as February 24.

He said: "There is no residential parking associated with this development, which is against the parking strategy for this borough."

A new parking strategy is being drawn up and will soon be coming before the executive for consideration.

Concerns were voiced about the loss of disabled parking spaces near the £1.5m Bradbury centre. The redeveloped centre, will have one fewer space but those provided will be nearer the centre.

The plan will create new retail space and houses as well as flats and a pedestrianised square between Peach Street and Rose Street.

The new plan will include 7,814 square metres of floor space, nearly 2,000 more than currently exists.

Cllr Philip Mirfin, executive member for regeneration and communities, said: “The new buildings along Peach Street will be a huge improvement on the tired 1960s buildings they will replace.

“We will be able to provide a better range of shops, and create a better balance between national and niche retail, so I’m delighted our plans have been approved."

Consultations are currently open on the next phase of the redevelopment at Carnival Pool and they will soon begin for the third stage around Elms Field.

The plan was approved by a vote of six councillor in favour and one against.