Proposals for a consultation about increasing parking charges in one Kent town centre have been delayed.

The plans, which would make Tunbridge Wells one of the most expensive places to park in Kent, have been put off by the borough council.

The decision was made at a heated town hall debate on Monday night.

The Planning and Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board called for the decision to be postponed as there was "insufficient information" to support the report submitted by officers.

Officers from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council put forward a report asking for a public consultation on potential increases to charges, which would see them rise by almost 30%.

Season tickets would also increase by more than 10% in some parts of the town.

This is not the first rise in charges in the town, with an increase of 20p per hour being implemented in 2012, and a further 20p per hour rise in 2014 for those paying in cash.

Those paying by phone continued to pay the 2012 rate.

The potential changes would be an increase of 20p an hour per tariff band when paying by phone, and 40p when paying in cash.

In a report to the council, Rosemarie Bennett, parking manager, said: "The lack of finance resulting from reduced government funding means that we have to raise more revenue to help us improve our infrastructure, reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and address other areas of public concern, for example footway parking, as well as providing investment for additional parking space."

Car parks that would be affected include Crescent Road, Town Hall Yard, Royal Victoria Place, Meadow Road, Linden Park Road, Beech Street, Camden Road, and Little Mount Sion.

Council officers predict that increases at these parking lots would raise £450,000 in revenue.

Drivers paying by cash would pay £1.80 per hour when parking for 60 minutes or less, which is 10p more expensive than the charge for the same time at Whitefriars in Canterbury, or Fremlin Walk in Maidstone.

It's not just council-run car parks in the scheme however, as residents' on-street permits are also set to increase from £60 to £80 for parking in zones A, B, C, D, and G.

The board has advised officers to submit a new report in time for its next meeting on Monday, October 3.

If the consultation goes forward, the final decision on charge increases will be made by the borough council's cabinet.