COUNCIL chiefs have endorsed plans to toughen up rules governing student accommodation after years of pressure from frustrated Durham residents and politicians.

Durham County Council’s cabinet today (Wednesday, March 16) agreed a new interim policy on purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), forcing developers seeking new planning permission to prove such accommodation is needed and that it would not have a negative impact on the local community.

It also agreed to the introduction of an Article 4 direction for Durham City, forcing developers to apply for planning permission to convert homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), from September and consultation on another such direction for Framwellgate Moor.

The reform comes amid growing concern over the spread of student accommodation.

Addressing the meeting, cabinet member for economic regeneration, Neil Foster, said: “Students are very welcome in Durham City and the council recognises the vital role they play in both the culture and economy of the county.

“We are however aware that student accommodation is a key issue for residents living in and around Durham City and that it is important to maintain sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities.

“The consultation on the Article 4 Direction for Durham City demonstrated strong support for the proposal – this Article 4 Direction has now been confirmed and will come into force on September 17.”

He added: “As part of this consultation, local residents also suggested that the Framwellgate Moor area – including Pity Me and Newton Hall – could benefit from its own Article 4 direction.

“As a result, the Council have authorised the making of a further Article 4 for Framwellgate Moor. This additional proposal will also be subject to consultation.”

Cllr Tomlinson, whose cabinet portfolio includes strategic housing, said: “I am really pleased to see that we have extended the area (for a further Article 4).

“It puts us ahead of the game in the ability to control the number of properties in multiple occupancy in that area."

But critics say the changes, prompted by the rejection of the County Durham Plan last year, have taken far too long with virtually every site already getting planning permission.

Consent has been granted for thousands of new beds in recent years and Peveril Securities’ £31m project to convert the former County Hospital site, off North Road, into accommodation for 363 students was given the go-ahead as recently as Monday (March 7).

The university has revealed there will only be an increase of around 300 students by 2020.