A CITY district has gone “way beyond”

a balance between students and residents, a planning appeal has heard.

More than half the population of Whinney Hill, in Durham, are now students, Durham County councillor David Freeman told the hearing.

“The council has aimed for balanced and sustainable communities. In no way could Whinney Hill fit that criteria,” he said.

The appeal saw Hope Estates challenge the now-defunct Durham City Council’s decision to refuse retrospective planning permission to extend 33 Whinney Hill into a six-bedroomed home.

The developer is fighting an order to demolish a two-storey extension within three months.

During the hearing, residents voiced concerns over the impact of students on the area, such as noise, disturbance and parking congestion.

Janet Gill said: “As you walk past them, you can tell they’re student houses, because of the unkempt appearance, the dirty windows, poorly hung curtains and everything else.”

Alan Hayton said people feel intimidated by students.

Jeremy Good, from Hope Estates’ planning consultants England and Lyle, said the application had been decided on who would use it, which was not a planning reason for refusal.

He added the location was sustainable as it was close to Durham University and the city centre.

Hope Estates’ plans to convert 33 Whinney Hill into a four-bedroom home were approved in April last year. However, the firm turned the property into a six-bedroomed house. A retrospective application for the work was rejected in September.

Yesterday’s appeal included a twohour hearing at Durham Town Hall and a site visit.

A decision on whether Hope Estates’ appeal has been successful is expected in about three weeks.