Fylde Council's development control committee had been expected to give the statue the green light at a meeting this morning.
But it is understood that someone who wanted to speak to the committee thought the meeting was being held tomorrow - and the issue was deferred.
Committee chairman Trevor Fiddler said: "Les Dawson has been deferred simply because there's a technical reason which would make it difficult for us if it was heard today."
Cornerstone Marketing had applied to the council to site the statue in the Sunken Gardens on Promenade Gardens, North Promenade, St Annes.
The council will have to be quick with its decision now.
For a star studded night to celebrate the opening of a Fylde Garden of Fame there, and the unveiling of the statue, will take place at Blackpool FC on Thursday, October 23.
Campaigners pressing for the statue of much-oved comedian Les were expected to have had the last laugh today.
The development control committee had been recommended by planning officers to grant the application.
But there have been complaints from a number of objectors - including residents in nearby apartments who said they didn't want Les "staring" into their homes.
St Annes Town Council had also objected.
Among its complaints were that Les's association with St Annes is "tenuous" and that the statue could have been sited at Ansdell or Lytham where Les actually lived.
Les's widow Tracy Dawson said of the residents' complaint: "I think it's sad really, that's how they feel, but it is their own opinion.
"I'm sure Les will be smiling upon them. It is better than wind turbines."
* The meeting is expected to reconvene tomorrow - watch the website for details, which will be posted on here as soon as the decision is made.