CONTROVERSIAL plans for houses and offices in the heart of Durham City have run into opposition from a series of statutory bodies.

Sport England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency have each lodged objections to an application by Banks Developments for the Elvet Waterside area.

Banks Developments is seeking permission from Durham City Council to build 129 houses and apartments, almost 1,000sq metres of commercial space and 151 car parking spaces on the site, close to the River Wear.

Residents have said they are not opposed to the development being on the brownfield site of the old swimming baths and the Durham University car parks, but are against any building on and near the site of the former bowling green.

Elvet Residents' Association and the City of Durham Trust have asked the Government Office for the North-East to block the city council from approving the plans, and to order a public inquiry into the issue.

Now, in a letter lodged with the local authority, English Heritage historic buildings inspector David Farrington recommends the application be refused.

He writes: "This is a complex scheme in a sensitive location.

"We consider that the proposed scheme would have a detrimental effect upon the character and appearance of the conservation area and upon the character of the views towards Durham Castle and the Cathedral World Heritage site, and important listed buildings within it."

Environment Agency planning officer Sarah Wickerson has said the agency was opposed to the plans because it could not be confirmed that they would not increase the flood risk elsewhere.

Sport England has objected because of concerns over the increased flood risk to Durham University's sports fields, at Maiden Castle.

John Ruddick, project manager of Banks Developments, has denied claims the view of Durham Cathedral from the riverside would be obscured.

Banks Developments has published a leaflet it hopes will calm opposition to its plans.

The application may reach the council's development control committee in June.