PLANS to build 54 apartments and retail units in Kidderminster are "inadequate" and not fit for purpose, councillors heard.

The Blackwell Street development was refused by members of Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee during last night's meeting amid concerns over disability access.

Councillors also addressed concerns that the new plans, submitted by Regal Executive Homes Ltd, would not be suitable for families, due to the lack of play area.

The applicants propose to install lifts which would have access to only nine of the properties and members of Disability Action Wyre Forest are asking for it to be redesigned.

Liberal councillor, Fran Oborski, said: "I'm gobsmacked and that's putting it mildly. These apartments are not just inaccessible for people with disabilities but for people with children. If you buy two-bedroom flats, it's likely you will have children. I'm frankly horrified."

She added: "There is no real play area or amenity space in the plans. A landscape decking area is not suitable amenity space for people with children.

"This scheme is inadequate and ill thought out in terms of amenity space."

The applicants, who also plan to build a ground floor office and car parking spaces at the old telecom exchange building site, have allocated 10 apartments for affordable housing, which is below the usual 10 per cent provision.

Labour councillor, Chris Nicholls, said he wanted to see the percentages add up.

He added: "We want 30 per cent of affordable housing. Only 17 per cent of the flats would have disabled access."

He went on: "The apartments are a no-go for children. They don't want a bit of decking. This could have been an exciting scheme."

Independent Health Concern councillor, Howard Martin, said: "It's not fit for purpose. It's a great shame because it looks quite nice."