THE millionaire owner of a Grand National-winning horse is still living in a one-bedroomed flat after his latest planning bid failed.

Norman Mason, whose horse Red Marauder won last year's race, bought the 370-acre Brancepeth Manor House Farm, in County Durham, ten years ago.

Since then, he has invested more than £100,000 in turning it into a racing centre.

In February 1999, Mr Mason, 64, applied to Durham City Council for permission to convert the farm into a country house. The council refused, saying it would be out of keeping with the setting.

Mr Mason recently submitted an amended plan, which was due to be discussed by the council last week. But, in a report, planning officers recommended refusal, for the same reasons as before.

Mr Mason asked the officers to discuss the matter and, when they declined, he withdrew the application. Now, he plans to address their concerns before applying again.

In the meantime, Mr Mason, wife Dorothy and baby daughter Claudia are living in a flat in the farm's grounds.

The former farm would be redeveloped to include a swimming pool and spa, games room, drawing room, conservatory and eight en-suite bedrooms.