City student flat plans refused as 'not needed'
GoogleUpdated plans to convert a former care home into student flats have been refused, with planning committee members arguing they were not needed.
Unity Living's application to transform Hallgarth Care Home in Durham into 48 studio bedspaces was voted down.
A previous proposal to convert the building into 69 apartments was refused in November 2023 and later failed at appeal over concerns there were more students than permanent residents in the city.
Objectors renewed their campaign against the latest proposal, stating that the facility would make the community's imbalance worse and disturb nearby residents.
The City of Durham Parish Council labelled the development "unacceptable", adding that it would have "no benefit" to the city or its residents, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Labour MP for the City of Durham Mary Kelly Foy added: "Given that this area already has issues with the number of people moving through the streets at 'unsociable hours', it seems that the introduction of a PBSA (purpose-built student accommodation) would only exacerbate this issue and have an impact on their quality of life."
'Harmful to balanced community'
However, Unity Living defended its proposal, saying there was a "clear" need for more "high-quality, well-located and affordable PBSA options across the city".
A statement added: "There is also currently a heavy reliance on HMOs to meet current demand, with objections routinely received in relation to the impact of such accommodation on local communities."
A Durham County Council planning report had recommended the application for approval.
But councillor Mark Wilkes challenged the applicant and the county council's assessment of the need for the development.
"I think this would be harmful in failing to create a mixed and balanced community," he told the committee.
The application was unanimously refused.