DEVELOPERS will be allowed to carry out around-the-clock work on a city centre shopping centre.

The firm behind a £30 million regeneration of The Gates shopping centre in Durham City applied for permission to work through the night while it demolishes and constructs the new complex.

The scheme, which involves making the existing centre being made open air, was given planning permission in 2015 on the basis that building work should be carried out during the daytime.

Planning officers from Durham County Council have now approved an application to carry out work for 23 hours a day from Mondays to Thursdays, despite objections from local residents and one of its own officers.

Milburngate (Durham) Ltd had submitted proposals to mitigate to disturbance to people living near the shopping centre.

However, Mark Anslow, an officer with the council’s noise action team, objected to the application because he said noise from 23-hour working was likely to be noticeable, disruptive and would have a “significant adverse effect.”

Meanwhile David Sparkes, from the council’s design and conservation team said there was a “real potential” to affect the nighttime setting of the World Heritage Site because of the level of lighting needed for work to take place.

Councillor David Freeman, who represents the Elvet and Gilesgate area, said he was furious at the decision.

He said: “The noise which will be generated for surrounding residents in St Godric’s Court, St Anne’s Court, Lambton Walk and Highgate will be dreadful and I fail to see how the council can believe that the noise and disruption to residents complies with planning policies protecting residents amenity.

“The redevelopment is being undertaken by major building firms who should have known when the original planning application was proposed if they required work taking place overnight. They did not apply for it then and it should not have been given.”

There were 31 objections to the scheme, including ones from local residents, Crossgate Community Partnership, The Sidegate Residents’ Association, Neville’s Cross Community Association and the City of Durham Trust.

The redeveloped shopping centre is due to be renamed The Riverwalk.

When finished, it will have walkway and restaurants overlooking the River Wear, refurbished shops, a six-screen Odeon cinema and flats for 253 students.