THE proposed location for a substation planned as part of a student development has been changed.

Developers Peveril Securities Ltd has altered its planning application for a block of purpose built student accommodation at the former County Hospital, in Durham.

Work is well underway at the site, off North Road, to convert the former hospital into 82 studios as well as erect two blocks catering for 281 students with communal living space, a student hub and substation.

An application to amend the plans by moving the student hub was made in March and this has now been changed again to move the substation.

The amended application is for a substation midway along Waddington Street, rather than at the end.

Concerns have been raised that if the substation is built in the new location it will permanently alter the street scene for the worse as it will not have sufficient screening by bushes and would have a concrete retaining wall, not in keeping with the conservation area.

There have also been concerns that the new location is closer to the homes of people living in Waddington Street and it may create a low humming noise which could disturb residents.

The amended plans can be viewed by visiting Durham County Council’s planning portal, via www.durham.gov.uk.