Northumberland County council has postponed a decision on the future of the existing Golden Plough Lodge until April 15, saying councillors need more time to assess the large and complex facility.
The issue came back to council Wednesday after a recent tour of the building by some members. County Councillor Scott Jibb said the visit gave him a much different perspective on the file.
Jibb told council the size of the building and the number of mechanical, electrical and structural elements involved make the decision more complicated than it may seem on paper.
Other councillors, like Olena Hankivsky agreed the matter should not be rushed.
Councillor John Logel, who also toured the site, urged others around the horseshoe to do the same before the next debate.
Council then voted to defer the item to its April 15 meeting.
The delay gives councillors more time to digest information from the tour and review additional concepts and cost questions before deciding what should happen with the existing Golden Plough Lodge property.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)