CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a £200m housing scheme on a city golf course are being recommended for approval by planning officials.

Durham County Council’s county planning committee will consider Banks Property’s proposal to build nearly 300 homes, a 1,000 bed student block, offices and community facilities on the 95-acre Mount Oswald golf course, off South Road, Durham City, next Tuesday (February 5).

In papers prepared for the meeting released today (Monday, January 28), senior planner Peter Herbert recommends councillors approve the scheme.

He writes that it would create more useable open space than is currently available and it is unlikely the site would become a business park, as was suggested.

The development would include: a University Quarter with 1,000 student beds, a community hub and some offices accessed off South Road; Neighbourhood North with 218 dwellings, including 32 for the elderly accessed off the A167; Neighbourhood South with 57 homes; and Central Park with a millionaires’ row of 16 exclusive self-design homes, accessed off the existing Manor House drive.

Alternative uses for Mount Oswald Manor, currently a restaurant and events venue, would be considered in future.

Many residents and groups have objected, with most saying the development would cost green space, create traffic problems and goes against planning policy.

The council has received more than 500 objection letters and more than 2,000 people signed a petition produced by the Save Mount Oswald Campaign Group.

However, Mr Herbert writes: “It is not considered that any of the objections received to the proposed development comprise reasons to justify refusal of the scheme.”

The committee will meet at County Hall at 2pm next Tuesday.