DEVELOPERS of a major regeneration scheme in a prime city centre spot have been told to rethink their plans for a new hotel.

A proposed hotel for the former passport office at Milburngate, in Durham, was not given planning permission at a meeting today after councillors strongly criticised the design of the building.

Councillor John Clare said: “Saying no here threatens the loss of significant investment to the visitor economy and that is something we have to take into account. But we have been waiting for 50 to 60 years to have something on this corner site of quality. For goodness sake, if we have the opportunity, lets stick our necks out and demand something of quality.”

He added: “We have been stuck for so many years with that god-awful building on the corner. Wouldn’t it have been lovely if we could have a really vibrant, sympathetic design.

“The developers say the design is respectful and sympathetic and I just don’t agree. It’s neither.”

An application had been made to put a Premier Inn on the land next to Milburngate Bridge, on land which had previously been allocated for flats as part of a mixed use development, which was given planning permission in 2016.

The original plan was to put 441 flats on the land, along with leisure facilities. The hotel would replace 38 of those flats.

Milburngate project manager Ian Beaumont told the committee that the building design was of high quality and would have a “prestige aesthetic” and was in keeping with the historic surroundings and surrounding buildings.

Adding that the development would have social, economic and cultural benefits, he said: “The proposed hotel will will support increased interest in Durham and will boost local tourism, providing overnight accommodation and additional bed space in the heart of Durham.”

Members of a Durham County Council planning committee deferred a decision on the hotel plan to allow the developers to re-look at the design.

Cllr Alan Shield said: “I’m disappointed. We have a responsibility now and to the future of what we are going to leave for the people of County Durham and residents of Durham city. “

Describing the proposed building as a “box”, cllr David Freeman added: “It’s disappointing for Durham city that when we did get some accommodation through which is not for students, which is what Durham city needs, that the applicant is taking away from that and we’re going to lose flats that could have provided more balance in the local community.”

Concerns were also raised by several councillors about the creation of a layby on Framwelgate Peth for HGVs to make deliveries to the hotel.

Durham County Council highways manager John McGargill said the layby could operate safely.

After the meeting a spokesperson for the developer said: “Detailed planning involves consideration of lots of subjective opinions. We are confident that the deferment of the decision gives everybody involved the chance to ensure the project delivers the best outcome for Durham, resulting in more tourism and inward investment.”