CONCERNS have been raised over plans for a 395-bed student village on the outskirts of Durham City.

Residents in the Neville’s Cross area said the development of townhouses, flats and studios would lead to an ‘influx’ of young people who attend the university.

Many who attended a public exhibition at Berendsen’s laundry site, off the A167, on Friday , where the housing would be created, said it would have an adverse impact on the residential area.

John Sharpe, who lives on nearby Kells Terrace, said: “It is outrageous. When we came here 44 years ago it was a beautiful community and the houses and gardens were all well kept.

“Student accommodation has killed that off completely. It is like a modern day slum. I blame the landlords because the properties are not looked after.”

There is already anger over the spread of student accommodation, with plans for more than 2,000 extra beds having been announced or approved in the city in recent months.

Alan Doig, a member of a group of residents with concerns, which is part of Crossgate Community Partnership, said: “What people are conscious of is the sheer volume which is upsetting the balance in a residential community like this.”

Clare Holliman, a governor at Neville’s Cross Primary School, is worried about the impact the development would have on road safety for pupils.

She said: “I do not care if it students, pensioners or families. I am concerned about the safety of our children and the volume of traffic it will create and pressure on the school at key times.”

If approved Berendsen’s laundry plans to move to a bigger site on an industrial estate in Meadowfield, potentially creating more jobs.

County Properties (Northern) Group is in talks with Durham County Council over the scheme, but is yet to submit a formal planning application.

Director David Nairn said: “The aim of this exhibition at this stage is to get feedback from the residents on the design, use, landscaping and car parking and people have taken a great interest in that.”

A meeting for residents is being held at St John’s Church hall on Tuesday at 6.30pm and there will be a meeting at the United Reform Church on North Road afterwards at 7.45pm.