PLANS for student accommodation at Rennys Lane in Durham City were granted permission last year and much was made of its sustainable location with good access to the city and food shopping, all of which is very much true.

However, one of the major reasons that this industrial site was granted permission for accommodation was because it was considered to provide a positive contribution to the area by reclaiming a derelict site and a street of dilapidated houses. According to the developer, the houses had “fallen into a state of disrepair and do not portray a positive image of the site or surrounding area”. The developer also stated that “ it is considered the re-use of the application site could have a positive impact upon the designated employment area, by displaying signs of investor confidence in the area and potentially stimulating further interest in occupying employment floorspace space within Dragonville Industrial Estate”.

Well, of course, the planners and committee members lapped this up and granted permission with strict conditions. Now the developer is trying, through the back door, to ease through a revision to this permission that leaves the eyesore of Ernest Place in place.

In brief, the development company has permission for a scheme which would do much for the area, but now it is asking the council to let it leave the job half done.

The planning officers and committee must stand up to these people and show some resolve.

Tammy Cornell, Durham.