A long-awaited decision into whether to allow the construction of what would be one of Camden’s tallest towers has been delayed by the government.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark was due to give his verdict on a controversial £100million proposal to replace 100 Avenue Road in Swiss Cottage with a 24-storey residential tower by November 30.

It follows an eight-day public inquiry into the scheme in July between developers Essential Living and Camden Council.

The council had rejected the scheme last year in the face of significant local opposition.

The department for communities and local government wrote to the council earlier this month seeking clarification on financial contributions sought by the council should the application be approved. It insisted this was not “to be taken to be indicative of the Secretary of State’s forthcoming decisions on these appeals”.

A spokesman added: “The Secretary of State considers that he will not be in a position to reach a decision by the previously advised date because of the need to allow parties time to respond to this letter.

“We have therefore extended the timetable.”

The new deadline for a decision is now on or before December 29.