A REPORT on purpose-built student accommodation by City of Durham Trust has expressed concern over the sheer number being built - and warns the consequences could be disastrous.

Members of the conservation group have expressed concern over the number of plans passed or in the pipeline over the last 12 months.

The report says more than 3,000 student beds have been currently approved with another 400 pending.

“Threats to alter radically the character of the city have emanated from both within and without," it added.

“The external threat to the city has come from developers taking advantage of a favourably fiscal climate, coupled with an absence of any planning policies, either to restrict, or to direct their growth. Some other university cities do have such protecting policies in place.”

It says that permission has been given to private developers for 13 purpose-built student accommodation blocks in the last five years.

The trust has said three large developments with over 1,000 beds at Lower Claypath, The Gates and the former County Hospital site has brought the ‘encroachment’ to a head.

“The consequences for the city are surely little sort of disastrous," it added.

The report states developers have argued that the creation of purpose-built student accommodation will stimulate the conversion of student housing back into family homes.

It said: “Trustees are highly sceptical; certainly conversion of houses into student-occupied properties continues apace, doubtless in the knowledge that an interim restrictive policy is to be introduced, at last, in September.

“Future competition between a surplus of places can but have a deleterious effect on the Durham townscape.

“A price war could even challenge the viability of the university’s colleges.”

The report also raises concerns about the geographical spread of accommodation in the city in regard to the university’s teaching blocks and library.

It said: “In consequence, thousands more across town journeys will be generated, the greatest number of which will be on foot.

“Some of the city’s narrow streets will therefore be subjects to tidal waves of pedestrians corresponding to lecture times.”

The annual general meeting of the City of Durham Trust will be held in Room 141, Elvet Riverside, New Elvet at 7.15pm on Wednesday May 11.

At 8pm, after the meeting, Christopher Cotton will give an illustrated lecture on Durham Cathedral: Restoration and Renovation.