ANOTHER 131 student beds could be created after a developer announced a seven-figure land deal.

Empiric Student Property says it has “conditionally exchanged contracts” on a £1.225m deal to buy a site off Framwelgate Peth, Durham with a view to building accommodation for 131 university students.

The scheme would comprise 15 self-contained studio flats and 116 en-suite bedrooms in “town houses” of four to 18 rooms, each with its own communal facilities.

No planning application has yet been submitted but the firm hopes to start building next spring and welcome students from September 2017.

Chief executive Paul Hadaway said: “Durham markets itself as a traditional collegiate university, yet many of the colleges and private sector accommodation are not consistent with that image.

“We believe that premium apartments and studios arranged around a staircase in a collegiate town house, with the usual Empiric communal facilities is the right offer for this city.

“Demand for student accommodation remains high and Frawellgate (sic) has an ideal central location. The acquisition is in line with Empiric’s investment criteria and returns profile.”

On its website, the firm says the site comprises Fram Well House, a 1970s office block currently home to JN Straughan and Co accountants and Durham Christian Partnership. An image suggests the development would be six storeys at its highest point.

John Lowe, chairman of neighbouring Sidegate Residents Association, said the site was totally unsuitable for the kind of development proposed and local residents would be “overwhelmed” by 131 extra students housed in the area.

He also questioned whether the proposals would accord with Durham County Council’s proposed new interim student accommodation policy, which would require developers to prove their scheme would have no negative local impact.

Mr Lowe raised concerns over road safety, as the site would be accessed directly from the busy downhill A691, adjacent to the railway bridge.

The plot also borders Durham City’s Green Belt and is close to the medieval Crook Hall attraction.

Empiric already runs St Margaret’s Flats, off Crossgate.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of State has declined to “call in” a £15m scheme for 214 student beds at Kepier Court, backed by county councillors in April. Professor Bill Williamson, who led a residents’ campaign against the scheme, said they were very upset and Durham needed strong, mixed communities.