Hotel is still waiting

But John Williams is still waiting for full planning permission from Malvern Hills District Council, which backed away from approving the development at a meeting on Wednesday.

Concern had been raised over the height of the building and its effect on the local landscape.

Councillors voted to visit the site and requested that a balloon should be raised to the height of the proposed building and pegs used to mark out the full site.

Outlining his proposals, Mr Williams told the Gazette that flotation tanks, a water gym, hydro-massage pools, a caf and restaurant are some of the facilities proposed for the 40,000 square feet site, between Grovewood Road and Townsend Way.

A water tunnel through one side of the building would lead to an outside area where members could enjoy floating along 'river rapids' or use one of the steam saunas.

The spa would also make full use of Malvern's famed water, which would be piped in to supply the facilities and sold bottled within the building.

The hotel will be run by a private operator and will provide rooms for around 90 guests.

There may be an underground link-up with the spa.

Mr Williams hopes to attract international visitors and business people to the complex and says the development would give Malvern a great boost in terms of tourism.

He said: "I think that the development will be a quality landmark and an important building for the town.

"It will be very much an exclusive place and will have a similar status to Waitrose."

Mr Williams was granted outline planning permission for the development in 2002 and council officers had recommended full approval at Wednesday's meeting.

Permission would be subject to a legal agreement, under which Mr Williams would provide funds towards an expansion of the cycle path network in the area.

Despite the delay, Mr Williams said he was prepared to wait and added: "I am a person with vision and this is my vision. I will put everything that I have into this project."