ASDA rumoured for new Durham development with 89 student beds

Applicant Banks Group has revealed a proposal for 89 student bed spaces near South College in Durham City. Located at Mount Oswald, the wider development includes a mix of residential units, ranging from family homes to student accommodation. 

The retail shop will primarily provide convenient ‘top-up’ shopping for existing and future residents of the Mount Oswald development. Initial design drawings show Asda Express could open at the site. 

The latest proposal for the mixed-use scheme would be the final piece of development in this location as outlined in the masterplan from the 2013, when developers revealed plans to create 291 homes, including specialist market housing for the elderly, student accommodation, office, retail, and community uses. 

How the proposed development could look (Image: BANKS)

Directly opposite the proposed development are two large campuses belonging to Durham University: South College and John Snow College, with approximately 1,000 students living in the two colleges during term time. 

The site identified for development is currently grassland and will soon be used for an access road and a 74-bed extra care facility. Planning permission for 850 student bed spaces to the west of John Snow College was granted in July 2023. 

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How the proposed development could look (Image: BANKS)

A planning statement from Banks, explaining the need for the latest proposed development, read: “The vision for the commercial area at Mount Oswald is to bring forward a retail unit to serve current and future residents.

"It will also deliver much-needed purpose-built student accommodation to meet the needs of Durham University and reduce demand on Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMO) properties across the city. 

“The proposals have been developed with careful consideration to deliver high quality development. The site is most suitable for this development because of its location to existing residents and students which currently have a limited range of amenities in proximity.

"The proposals meet objectives of local and national policy and will deliver significant social, environmental and economic benefits.”

Durham County Council will consider the planning application in due course.