Norfolk County Council announced plans for the cycle route earlier this summer but the scheme was met by an immediate backlash from residents and businesses, who said the resulting parking restrictions would be disastrous for the resort.

A petition was also launched to fight the proposals and further criticism of the project is expected today when West Norfolk Council's cabinet meets to discuss the scheme.

But it has now emerged that work on the plans will not progress until further consultation is completed.

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: "These proposals have been developed for consultation from earlier studies of walking and cycling in Hunstanton which highlighted the lack of cycle routes in the town.

"We accept that it would have been better to widen local input into the current proposals at an earlier stage, especially with the borough council.

"Lynn's excellent cycle network has only been developed through the borough and county pooling resources and working together, and we value their input into the improvement of the Hunstanton network.

"Given the level of interest that has now been generated, and the alternatives put forward by the borough council, we will be putting the current proposals on hold so that we can arrange a meeting of all interested parties by mid-September if possible."

While West Norfolk Council has been asked to comment on the proposals its bigger concern comes from the fact the plans were developed without what it describes as "the proper involvement" of the authority and the residents and businesses affected.

Cllr Elizabeth Watson, ward member for Hunstanton, said: "The idea of developing a network of cycle paths is a good one, but the proposals that have been put forward do not properly consider the impact that the changes will have on local residents, businesses and accommodation providers, putting additional pressure on already limited parking spaces.

"We have spoken with affected people in the area and in some cases the proposals would have a seriously detrimental impact."

A report due to go before cabinet members gives broad support for the development of cycle paths but suggests the county council defers its plans while alternative options are explored.

With the exception of Lighthouse Lane, the report recommends objections to all proposals on the grounds they would have a detrimental impact on residents and businesses and that better options are available.

Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, cabinet member for sports, arts and open spaces, said: "It is obvious that these proposals need the input of people who have a real understanding of the area and it is important that local people and the borough council are included in their future development."

l What do you think: Cycle paths for Hunny – does it need them? What's the town council, borough council, county council relationship like? email malcolm.pow ell@lynnnews.co.uk