“It appears nothing concentrates the mind more than the ballot box,” Mr Borthwick said.

Residents had voiced fears the proposed £1.4 million unit in Reid Square could house people with alcohol and drugs problems.

The council’s development quality committee last night unanimously agreed to defer consideration of an application for planning permission from Hillcrest Housing Association to build 10 flats and one house on land.

“What was passed by the committee last night was what I had suggested from the outset,” Councillor Borthwick said.

“I called on Dundee City Council to be frank and transparent, and if the decision last night to enter into meaningful communication with all parties goes some way to redress the events which have already occurred, this is to be welcomed.

“The decision taken last night was exactly what I had been calling for from day one. Since then, there has been a catalogue of errors and mistakes verging on incompetence.

“A lot of concerns could have been addressed much earlier, and significant damage could well have been avoided.

“Comments made by senior councillors also did nothing but inflame an already delicate situation.”

The committee considered a 167-signature petition and three letters opposing the application.

Residents aired a host of Concerns, ranging from a lack of consultation to how the scheme fitted with the council’s multi-million pound Hilltown regeneration.

After considering the objections, committee convener Rod Wallace suggested a decision be deferred. He said he was concerned much confusion surrounding the proposed unit and greater clarity was needed before councillors could take a decision.

Asked how long before the application came back to the committee, Mr Wallace said it would take as long as necessary.