PLANS to build a women's refuge on the outskirts of Durham have won approval, despite residents' objections.

The Three Rivers Housing Group plans to build eight self-contained and supported flats for women and children fleeing domestic violence on a site in the east of the city.

The new refuge, in a three-storey building, will replace the existing one in another part of the city.

The planning application was approved by Durham City Council's development control committee, in the face of opposition from people living near the site.

They raised concerns about the possibility of aggrieved partners turning up to look for their spouses and causing trouble.

They also objected to the size of the building and its impact on neighbouring properties and parking in the area.

Residents' spokesman Jamie Glister, who handed in a 44-name petition, described the building as 'massive', saying it would tower over neighbouring gardens.

He also said residents had worries about security and the possibility of more incidents occurring at the new refuge as it would be bigger than the existing facility.

He told councillors some residents had not been notified of the planning application and urged that a decision be deferred for further consultation.

Amanda Senior, business development manager for Three Rivers, said that the two incidents in recent times at the existing refuge had merely involved partners turning up.

"The main reason they go to the refuge is to persuade their partner to come back. They don't kick off."

Police were called as a matter of course in such instances but the men did not cause any trouble and they agreed to leave.

She added that the neighbours of the existing refuge had not made any complaints.

Head of environmental protection David Thornborrow said the council had complied with procedures in consulting residents and that the social benefits of this proposal far outweighed the perceived harm.

Coun Neil Shaw, who could not attend, sent a statement saying there was strong feeling against the application but felt it would be difficult to reject it.

Former council leader Sue Pitts said the existing refuge, which had been running for more than 20 years, had not caused any problems.