A NORTH-East university is pressing ahead with its ten-year expansion plan.

Durham University held a consultation on its newest proposals, which are part of its strategy to expand student numbers to 21,500 by 2027, yesterday.

It wants to improve paths around its facilities in South Road to reduce pavement congestion, as well as build a new mathematical science and computing building and car park.

David Loudon, the university’s director of estates and facilities, said the university is making an £8m investment in its infrastructure, which also includes a new access point from South Road to reduce congestion around the New Inn.

He said: “I believe this is an absolutely key project with the growth of student numbers. It will be much safer as well.”

The new projects are the latest to be revealed as part of the university’s expansion plan. Projects to extend sports facilities at Maiden Castle and build a teaching centre in South Road are already underway

A forum to discuss the expansion took place this month, when a number of residents expressed concern about the expansion.

City resident Roger Cornwell said: “I’m disappointed this has gone ahead. If Stuart Corbridge (university vice-chancellor) was really going to take stock of what was said he could have left this and brought it forward later, maybe with changes once he had time to consider.”

Meanwhile Durham County Council is looking at reducing street parking in nearby Church Street so it can widen the pavement.

Dave Wafer, the council’s strategic traffic manager, said there would be reduction of seven parking spaces so the pavement can be widened by three metres.

A consultation on the proposal was held alongside the university’s.

Mr Wafer said: “For many years people have highlighted that the pavements on that street are not wide enough so we are taking the opportunity to address that.”

Concerns were raised about where residents and people using St Oswald’s Primary School and the church would park while questions were also asked about whether the university would contribute to the costs of the scheme.

Mr Wafer said the project has not been costed yet and will be funded by the council.