A CONTROVERSIAL multi-million pound housing development has been granted planning permission.

Members of Durham County Council’s County Planning committee have, in the last hour, backed the £200m plans for Mount Oswald Golf Course, in Durham City, by a majority vote.

Banks Property has been given permission to build nearly 300 homes on the 95-acre site, along with accommodation for 1,000 students as well as offices and community facilities.

The company claimed the development would boost economic growth in the city but opponents, including Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, were concerned over traffic issues and loss of green space.

More than 2,000 people signed a petition opposing the scheme and 500 letters have been sent to the council.