A CITY centre building could become the latest property to be turned into student accommodation.

Owner Fabio Ciampolillo, had previously revealed plans to turn the four-storey building in Saddler Street into an Italian tapas-style restaurant, linked to his next-door ventures La Spaghettata and Fabio’s Bar.

However, he has now submitted proposals to turn the ground floor offices into a one-bedroom flat and to have a six-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) over the first, second, third and fourth floors.

Mr Ciampolillo said the fresh application was aimed at keeping his options open.

He said: “We have licensing and planning permission for a bar and restaurant so we are weighing our options.

“We are keeping our options open. It’s nice to have options. We are just waiting to see. Everything is very much still on the cards.”

The application says the property would be let on the open market and would not necessarily be restricted to students.

Meanwhile, student accommodation will once again be the topic of debate at a special planning meeting being held next week.

One of the applications to be decided is for a vacant parcel of land in The Avenue.

Kingswood Properties has applied to build 12 one and two bedroom flats in three blocks, aimed at young professionals aged between 25 and 35.

A previous application for the site was rejected because councillors said the layout suggested the flats would be for student use and the application for family homes was “disingenuous”.

This time, planning officers say the new layout is consistent with the proposed used and has recommended the application is approved.

But a number of objections have been submitted by people living nearby, who are concerned the flats are too small for permanent use and will still be aimed at students.

Durham Police also has concerns about the density of the development because of the already high number of student properties in the vicinity.

Decisions are also due on an application to allow houses in Bradford Crescent and Churchill Square in Gilesgate, to be used as HMOs for students or young professionals.

Both applications have been made by Kirsten Scothon and the properties are currently used by people experiencing difficulties in their lives with housing needs, including involvement in the criminal justice system.