A FIVE-STOREY block of student flats has been granted planning permission, despite fears about its impact on a World Heritage Site.

Developers 3R Land and Property have been given the go-ahead to demolish garages in Back Silver Street, in Durham and build 18 studio apartments which will provide a total of 55 student beds.

Several objections were lodged against the scheme, including Durham University, Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, the City of Durham Trust and the co-ordinator of the city’s World Heritage Site, which includes Durham Castle and Cathedral.

Concerns were raised by objectors about the impact of the development on views of the cathedral from the riverside and also the concentration of students in the city centre.

However, the applicants say the development, which will be operated by local company Q Student, would improve a brownfield site and contribute to the vitality of the city centre.

Agent Dominic Smith told members of Durham County Council’s Area Planning Committee (Central and East) that a lack of parking at the site limited its use for family housing and a lack of footfall limited its use for commercial development.

A report before the committee described the site, which lies behind the city’s Market Place at the rear of the Indoor Market, as being unkempt and including several mature trees and shrubs, but pointed out that it lies within Durham’s conservation area and would overlook the Clements Wharf development on the banks of the River Wear.

Speaking against the application, Cllr David Freeman told the meeting at County Hall that he was concerned about the height of the proposed block within the conservation area.

He said: “While there may have been an increase in the number of applications for student accommodation, there aren’t actually more students coming to Durham.

“There have been two previous applications for this site, both smaller than this one, and both were refused.

He added: “Such a tall and isolated building as this will tower over Fowlers Yard and will be highly visible from Framwelgate Bridge and to introduce so many students into this area will inevitably impact on the residents of Clement Wharf.”

However, Cllr Mark Davinson said: “We keep hearing about areas which have too many students and here we have an area which doesn’t have any students – you can’t have your cake and eat it.”

The committee voted 8-1 to endorse an officers’ recommendation to grant the development planning permission.