Mystery over controversial Durham HMO plans withdrawn

Plans to demolish existing buildings at Rowan Wood, in Clay Lane, Durham City, and build 10 mixed-use homes was validated by Durham County Council in December. 

But the redevelopment scheme quickly faced significant local opposition after dozens of residents wrote to the local authority to object to the plans, including the local MP. 

The applicant, Charles Blair, outlined plans to build the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in three blocks on land near Durham Archery Lawn Tennis Club. The scheme was divided by 11 bedrooms in Block one, 16 in Block two and 38 in Block three. Up to 15 car parking spaces were also proposed. 

The entrance to Clay Lane, which the local MP said was too narrow (Image: Google)

Mr Blair said the increase in students attending Durham University “demonstrated the need for additional accommodation”. He said the local area would benefit economically as a result of the development. 

However Mary Kelly Foy, MP for Durham City, warned there were “clear breaches of several local and national policies” with the plans as well as access issues due to the narrowness of Clay Lane. 

Countering Mr Blair’s claim that there is a shortfall in supply for student accommodation in Durham, the Labour MP said: “Even cursory research of the current housing situation would have indicated that thanks to the ‘COVID surge’ Durham University has already exceeded these student numbers, and is planning on reducing the level of students studying in Durham over the next few years. The applicant has not expanded on this ‘evident’ shortfall of student housing in Durham, perhaps because this isn’t the case.”

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Ms Foy’s warning was backed by the City of Durham Parish Council, which questioned the applicant’s planning proposal. An objection letter read: “The description of development refers to HMO development, the planning application form refers to apartments and both the planning statement, housing needs statement and submitted floor plans refer to student accommodation/ student bedrooms.”

Parish councillors also warned of the environmental impact the building work would have on the site. “The proposal would result in the almost complete redevelopment of the site with a dense, three storey development. This would bring about a substantial change in the intrinsic character and appearance of the site,” the statement added. 

It is not clear why the planning proposal was withdrawn. The applicant was contacted for comment.