A multi-million pound redevelopment of New College Durham has won planning approval despite concern about its impact on residents.

City councillors have given outline permission for the £18m scheme, which will concentrate all the college's facilities on its 27-acre Framwellgate Moor site.

More than 140 people objected to the plan, saying it would add to the area's traffic and parking problems and take open space and recreation area.

The objectors are also concerned about the siting of a new accommodation block, and fear the development will increase anti-social behaviour by students.

Local councillor Neil Griffin said he was concerned about increases in traffic and its impact on the "very dangerous" access on to Sacriston Road.

He told the development control committee that some people felt the approval was a "done deal".

He said: "We have all had experience of outline planning matters in the past, the devil is in the detail. People are concerned that this could be the tip of the iceberg.

"I don't think this proposal cuts it. We have one chance to get it right. If we don't, the residents will have to live with it."

The college will have to get detailed approval to build a sports complex, performing arts centre, learning resource centre, refectory extension, 150-room residential block, student union building and parking for 835 vehicles.

It plans to sell its 22-acre Nevilles Cross site, probably for housing, and concentrate both higher and further education on the one campus.

The committee heard that planning officials felt they could support the plan despite the weight of opposition.

Councillors were told there would be more traffic but a nearby roundabout would be improved and the college would encourage students to use public transport.

College principal John Widdowson said: "We have put a lot of work into this scheme and spent time talking to people locally. They have concerns and we understand that.

"At the end of the day we want to provide a facility that will carry the college and the students into the 21st Century, to meet the new challenges of the curriculum."