PLANNING permission has been granted to convert a former veterans’ club into apartments.

Developers 3R Land and Property have been granted permission to convert the former Companions Club, on Ainsley Street, in Durham City, into nine flats.

Members of Durham County Council’s Area Planning Committee unanimously voted to approve the plan, which will see the former club’s ten-space car park retained.

The committee, sitting at County Hall, heard there had been lengthy consultation between the developers and residents to iron out issues surrounding the proposal which lies within Durham City’s conservation area.

The Companions Club has been disused since last April and developers say they plan to market the two-bedroom apartments to young professionals.

Local councillor Grenville Holland welcomed the proposal saying: “This unsightly corner of the city centre will benefit from being refurbished.”

But he did highlight a number of concerns over protection for residents while work was being carried out and also fears that at some point in the future the flats could be converted for student accommodation.

He said: “Such conversions and our inability to stop them have bedevilled this city for too long.”

Planning officer Chris Baxter said there was a condition built into the planning permission which would prevent then becoming student digs. He told committee members: “They couldn’t just be converted without permission.”

Committee members backed the proposal by 10-0.

Cllr Patrick Conway said: “Overall, on balance this will improve the particular area.”