Student housing plans scrapped following MP controversy
Plans to create new student accommodation in Durham have been withdrawn amid criticism over its ambiguity.
In December 2023, Durham County Council approved plans to demolish existing buildings at Rowan Wood, in Clay Lane, and build 10 mixed-use homes for students. However, shortly after, the development faced significant local opposition after dozens of residents wrote to the council to object the plans, including the local MP.
Due to an increase in students attending Durham University, the applicant – Charles Blair – outlined plans to build the houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in three blocks on land near Durham Archery Lawn Tennis Club. The scheme was divided by 11 bedrooms in the first block, 16 in the second and 38 in block three.
Although, MP for Durham City, Mary Kelly Foy, warned there were ‘clear breaches of several local and national policies’ with the plans as well as access issues due to how narrow Clay Lane is.
The Labour MP said: ‘Even cursory research of the current housing situation would have indicated that thanks to the ‘COVID surge’ Durham University has already exceeded these student numbers and is planning on reducing the level of students studying in Durham over the next few years.
‘The applicant has not expanded on this ‘evident’ shortfall of student housing in Durham, perhaps because this isn’t the case.’
Moreover, Ms Foy’s hesitation has been echoed by the City of Durham Parish Council. An objection letter from them read: ‘The description of development refers to HMO development, the planning application form refers to apartments and both the planning statement, housing needs statement and submitted floor plans refer to student accommodation/student bedrooms.’
In addition, Parish councillors have also warned how the development would impact the appearance of the site. A statement said: ‘The proposal would result in the almost complete redevelopment of the site with a dense, three storey development.
‘This would bring about a substantial change in the intrinsic character and appearance of the site.’
At this stage, the reason as to why the planning application was withdrawn remains unclear.
Image: Phong Nguyen