The future of two landmark buildings in Penrith remains unclear after councillors were given extra time to explore the options.

Eden Council must redevelop its Town Hall headquarters because it fails to meet standards for a public building.

Options for a £2.2m redevelopment of the Town Hall and revamp the Mansion House council offices as a business hub and possibly social housing were put on hold on Thursday night.

A recommendation from Eden District Council’s resources portfolio holder, councillor Paula Breen, was supported by fellow members to give them more time.

A cross-party group of 11 members is also being set up to explore the future options and identify what accommodation is needed by council staff.

It will meet for the first time within a fortnight and has been ordered to report back to the full council within two months.

Mrs Breen said: "In the council chamber there was a lot of support for the single site project.

"Members recognise the need for more accessible and fit for purpose accommodation for our staff to deliver quality public services from. However, councillors do not wish to rush this decision and before we commit to spending any council taxpayers’ money, we require more detailed information on the proposals contained in the report by chief executive Robin Hooper."

Mr Hooper has warned that he may have to suspend public meetings at the Town Hall, which does not provide proper disabled access.

The proposed development has been the latest bid by the authority to move staff to a more economic and user-friendly base and make better use of the historic but antiquated building.

Over the past six years, the council has looked into providing more modern offices and at one point looked into transferring to the old Co-op store in Burrowgate and selling the Mansion House.

It was originally put on the market in 2012 with a £1.2m to £1.4m price tag but the best offer for the building was a bid for £750,000.