PLANS for an eight-storey block of student apartments, which opponents said would be the tallest building in Durham other than its famous cathedral, have been rejected.

Developers Peveril Securities had applied for planning permission to create privately-run accommodation for almost 400 students on the site of the former County Hospital, in Durham.

However, members of Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee this afternoon (Tuesday, July 29) voted unanimously to refuse the application.

The developers wanted to convert the Victorian hospital into 89 student studios and demolish modern extensions to the building.

They also proposed building two student accommodation blocks, one five-storey block facing Sutton Street and one up to eight storeys at its highest near Waddington Street, providing a total of 309 beds.

However, the proposed £17m development, near the historic Viaduct railway bridge and inside the city’s conservation area, attracted widespread opposition.

Concerns were raised by the city’s MP, Roberta Blackman-Woods, Durham University, the City of Durham Trust and more than 200 residents.

Cllr Nigel Martin voiced concerns about the cumulative impact of several recent applications for student accommodation in the area.

He told the planning meeting at County Hall: “The message I have been getting loud and clear from my constituents is they are overwhelmingly opposed to this development.

“This is just a step too far. Surely a point must come when adding more is simply unsustainable”.

Harvey Dowdy, deputy director of estates for Durham University, said the university did not support the application because of the quality of the accommodation proposed.

Waddington Street resident Jackie Levitas described the proposed student blocks as “overbearing monoliths” and added: “I love the city, I love my area and I don’t want to see it destroyed for the future – I don’t want to see it overwhelmed by these horrible buildings”.

Simon Chadwick, for the developers, said several changes had been made to initial plans to incorporate opponents’ views and that, on balance, the project would benefit the city.

He told councillors: “There will be additional expenditure in the city by students and by those employed to work on the scheme.”

However, councillors accepted officers’ advice to reject the scheme on a unanimous vote.

Cllr Grenville Holland said: “The opposition to this proposed development is widespread.

“English Heritage do not want it, the University doesn’t want it, the City of Durham Trust doesn’t want it and the people I represent, who would suffer the consequences if it were to go ahead, do not want it.”