THE BOSS of a new digital bank has pledged to be a “good neighbour”, after getting the go-ahead to build a new North-East headquarters despite the concerns of locals.

Edward Twiddy was speaking after Durham County Council granted Atom Bank planning permission for a purpose-built new home at Aykley Heads, Durham.

The so-called “challenger” bank has already created 140 jobs at a temporary base nearby and its workforce could rise to 340.

The Northern Echo: PLANS: The proposed site of new Atom Bank HQ at Aykley Heads, Durham City. Picture: TOM BANKS

PLANS: The proposed site of new Atom Bank HQ at Aykley Heads, Durham City, and below, the bank's current base. Picture: TOM BANKS 

The Northern Echo: ATOMIC: The office of Atom bank in Durham City. Picture: TOM BANKS (23465073)

Its £8.7 million HQ scheme, on a former croquet lawn, ran into opposition from councillors and residents concerned about the impact on views of Durham Cathedral, the loss of green space and increased traffic.

However, the council’s central and east area planning committee backed the proposal unanimously.

Mr Twiddy, Atom’s chief operations and innovation officer, told councillors: “We’re very cognisant of our neighbours and relationships in the city. We want to be good partners in the city.

“We came to Durham for very positive and strong reasons, because of its high quality people, university and connectivity.

“I’m a Durham resident. I don’t want to see the loss of perfectly good, high quality green space. But we genuinely couldn’t find an alternative site with access to the train station and bus services.”

He outlined how Atom was allowing nearby Trinity special school to use its car park at busy times, had helped the croquet club move to better facilities at Houghall College and the new HQ would be built to the highest environmental standards.

“We’re trying to be good neighbours,” he said.

Councillor Bill Moir said Atom should be welcomed to Durham but the site was “reasonably magical” and cheekily suggested the firm relocate to his Belmont ward.

Highways officer John McGargill said the project would place no additional strain on the road network, due to Atom’s shift patterns.

Afterwards, Mr Twiddy said he was delighted at the council’s decision, Atom was growing rapidly and would shortly need more space.

He was unable to say when the bank would move into its new headquarters, only that it would relocate when the commercial position required it.

Atom is one of a group of “challenger” banks aiming to challenge the major High Street lenders. It was granted a banking licence in June.