A LANDLORD has been given the go ahead to extend a three-bedroom student property.

The application had been made to extend the property in Prospect Terrace, Neville’s Cross, Durham to give it five bedrooms.

Despite calls to use council powers which limit the number of new student accommodation premises in Durham, councillors heard the policy did not apply to buildings with existing HMO status.

Cllr Liz Brown, who represents Neville’s Cross, said parking demand in the area was a problem and asked whether the applicant would provide any off-street spaces.

A planning officer said that many terraced houses don’t have parking available nearby, adding the amount of traffic generated was likely to have a small impact.

The plans were approved by the committee with six votes in favour and four against.