The fate of the building dubbed the Chiswick Octopus is hanging in the balance after a decision on the controversial plans was put off.

An application to build the octopus-inspired landmark at Chiswick roundabout was discussed by councillors at a meeting of Chiswick area committee on Tuesday.

But Hounslow Council planning officers recommended the application should be taken to a higher level before a decision was made.

The issue is now likely to be taken to the council’s sustainable development committee (SDC) in March.

Developer, London and Bath Estates hopes the five-storey office block, designed by the architect behind London’s Gherkin, will become a sculptural highlight at the gateway to London.

But the design has been criticised by some. Chiswick Homefields ward Councillor John Todd said: “It’s been linked with the Gherkin but all I see is crude scaffolding.”

The multi-million pound office block will project adverts from five screens to drivers on the elevated section on the M4 and approaching roads to the roundabout.

It is hoped if permission is granted it would be built in time to greet visitors as they travel from Heathrow to London for the 2012 Olympic games.

But Coun Todd added his voice to objections registered by the Highways Agency, which believes drivers would be distracted by the adverts as they travel along the busy road.

Chiswick Riverside ward member, Councillor Paul Lynch, disagreed and said he believed the unique building would raise the profile of Chiswick.

He said: “I think it relates well to the many buildings that are visible as you come along the elevated section.

“It would give one the feeling that this borough is an important place.

“It’s worthy of further discussion and the SDC would be the place to make those discussions.”

The building would include space for 25 cars, along with space for bikes.

Chiswick Homefields ward member, Councillor Robert Oulds, feared the limited number of parking spaces could lead to employees parking their cars in Grove Park where residents are already locked in daily combat with commuters for places to park.

He added it was “something we need to consider”.

Managing director of London and Bath Estates Kim Gottlieb said: “There’s a loud body of people who don’t like the scheme but we are very confident about the tremendous support we’ve received from people across the borough of all ages.

“We’re very positive about the next meeting and are confident we can remove any genuine issues there are with the proposal.”

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