PLANNERS have been left disappointed with the first set of "bland and unexciting" housing designs for the high-profile Diglis Basin development.

Outline permission for the major project, of more than 400 units, had previously been agreed and Worcester City Council's planning committee was looking at the details of the first 30 units.

The application related to a small section of the entire development, alongside Diglis Dock Road.

All 30 units were for affordable housing, which was welcomed by members.

Seventeen of the units will be flats and the remaining 13 houses, alongside a planned parking area and a landscaping buffer, to screen residents from nearby businesses.

However, councillors were less impressed by the fairly modern brick and tile design of the apartment blocks - both three and four-storey - and terraced houses.

Councillor Francis Lankester also questioned the decision to group 30 social housing properties together, rather than 'pepper-pot' them throughout the development.

"What do I know of modern design but it looks bland and unexciting to me," he said.

"For such a high-profile project as Diglis I rather thought the architects could come up with something above standard.

"It will be a great area to live but it is such a shame we won't be able to give this any type of (design) award."

Coun Denham added: "If the rest of this development is to a higher standard then this will look like affordable housing.

"I believe there is no reason why affordable housing should look any different to other housing."

Despite Coun Mike Layland asking 'What are we going to do about it?' there were no planning reasons to refuse permission and the application was passed.