The £24m scheme involves building residential apartments and offices and creating new visitor attractions in the area.

But English Heritage has raised concerns over whether the redevelopment would have any adverse impact on existing water-based activities in the area, such as canoeing.

Developers have said they want to increase the water usage of the canal basin and the scheme would allow people to do so.

We feel we will be creating a superb environment for water-based activities and city centre living John Lees, Kensington Taylor

A decision on the application was expected to be made by Exeter City Council in January, but now it is likely to be delayed until March.

As well as the water use issues, the organisation has said it is concerned there is no new pedestrian bridge across the canal basin.

The plans for the quayside have been submitted to the council by Exeter Quay Developments - a consortium led by development company McAlpine.

'Superb environment'

Under the proposals, the former premises of the Exeter Maritime Museum would be restored and a visitor attraction created

John Lees, from Kensington Taylor, the Exeter-based architects behind the plans, said of the concerns: "The aim of the scheme is quite the opposite.

"We will be increasing the water usage of the canal basin. In its present state the canal is a major leisure use that is underused.

"We feel we will be creating a superb environment for water-based activities, commerce and city centre living."