Plans for a modified arts centre scheme in Didcot will go before councillors next month.

On May 6, South Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet will be asked to approve the latest design for the centre, with a smaller auditorium, along with a new business plan for the £5m project.

The centre caused a major political row after the incoming Tory administration cancelled a contract with the council's arts consultants Artreach following the May elections last year.

It appointed new consultants, David Clarke Associates, to come up with a new scheme because the previous one was over budget.

Draft proposals for the latest scheme have been unveiled to local arts groups, and town councillors have been given an private briefing.

New plans show a three-storey building with between 248 and 290 seats, depending on the performance and the number of people on stage. The auditorium would have a sprung floor for dancing when the retractable seating is stowed away.

The centre, to be built on the site of the former Somerfield supermarket, will include a cafe with seating for 70 people along with a glass-fronted foyer.

It is being planned as part of the Orchard Centre redevelopment, which will contain 31 shops, including a Sainsbury's, a cinema and town square.

Previously schools, groups and some members of Didcot Arts Forum have argued for a larger venue than the Civic Hall which has seating for an audience of approximately 300 people.

But Mr Clarke said: "We need to design a building we can afford to build."

Geoffrey Bushell, musical director and conductor of the Oxford-based St Giles Orchestra which has regularly performed in Didcot, said: "I have no argument against an auditorium seating between 250-300 people, although I hope the stage will be large enough for about 60 musicians."

A detailed planning application for the arts centre is expected to be submitted if the cabinet approve the design.