PLANS to build a women's refuge on the outskirts of Durham City have sparked opposition from residents.

Three Rivers Housing has applied to Durham City Council for permission to construct eight self-contained flats for women and children.

Phillip Nixon, whose home will back on to the proposed development, said yesterday that a public meeting had been attended by 40 concerned residents and another was planned over the issue.

He said: "The residents are angry and concerned that this building is allegedly to be used as a refuge and as accommodation for prisoner release rehabilitation without any discussion.

"Nor is there to be consideration of the social implications for a residential area, not to mention the planning objections about the building itself.''

He added that Durham City Council and The Three Rivers Housing had been asked to send a representative to the meeting, but no one had turned up.

"We are determined to make our voices heard and we are now planning to hold a further meeting,'' said Mr Nixon.

He said there was also concern that the size of the building would deny children the use of an open space and would come within 3ft of some residents' garden fences.

Three Rivers Housing denied there had been anything "hush, hush" about the application and also ruled out that any of the proposed accommodation was earmarked for released prisoners.

She said: "Durham Women's Refuge has been providing temporary accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence within a residential area in the city for the last 26 years."

She said the staff had high levels of skill and experience and the refuge had maintained good relations with their neighbours.

She added: "The refuge is being relocated to provide a much-needed and improved accommodation facility.

"The proposed development has been submitted to the planning department in the council as part of a process we normally take. Any individual residents who have concerns about the refuge can contact us to discuss any worries they may have.''

A Durham City Council spokesman confirmed that an application had been received from Three Rivers and added that residents had the right to voice their opinions or concerns directly to the authority.