AN application for waterside apartments submitted by a company using the name of a Worcester property tycoon has been refused.

The plan for 11 waterside apartments in Droitwich, submitted by Neil Grinnall Properties 4, was thrown out on design grounds.

It is unclear whether Neil Grinnall, who called in the receivers in November to two of his companies, is behind the proposed Hanbury Street development.

The proposal attracted fierce opposition from Councillor Judy Pearce (Con - Dodderhill) at last Thursday's Wychavon District Council planning meeting.

She told members: "I looked at the plans for this with absolute horror - there's barely enough room to swing a cat around. It's just there to cram in as many flats as possible."

Cllr Jean Dowty (Con - Ombersley) agreed, describing the design as "absolutely appalling."

Cllr Mike Barratt (Con - Droitwich East), however, said: "The view of this development from the waterside is appalling and I think that this would tidy it up," he said.

The site, which lies on the north side of the road and backs on to the River Salwarpe, was occupied by OSO Products Ltd., and is currently vacant. The Grinnall proposal consisted of ten two-bed and a single one-bed apartments, with parking spaces.

The application was refused on grounds of design, a lack of ventilation through two of the apartments.

The developer, who called in accountants to sort out Neil Grinnall Properties Ltd., and Neil Grinnall Classic Homes, is well known for his Hadzor development in Droitwich and the Kays apartments in Worcester.