RESIDENTS fighting to stop their community becoming a student ghetto have suffered yet another setback.

A Durham County Council attempt to force student landlord Hope Estates to demolish a two-storey extension at 33 Whinney Hill has failed.

Planning Inspector John Braithwaite reached the decision following an appeal heard in Durham Town Hall last month(MAY).

It means Hope Estates can keep the extension and other alterations - which residents claimed would lead to more parking problems, noise and nuisance in the Durham City district.

Alan Hayton, vice-chairman of Whinney Hill residents’ group, said he was disappointed but not surprised and criticised what he called the council’s "lacklustre" performance at the hearing.

"It’s the wrong decision. Previous local councillors have done nothing to help this area. They have caused the problems and allowed this to happen.

"We have been left with nothing to respond with."

The appeal saw Hope Estates challenge the now-defunct Durham City Council’s decision to refuse retrospective planning permission to extend 33 Whinney Hill into a six-bedroom home.

In his report, Mr Braithwaite said: "The two-storey extension and the alterations to the existing dwelling at 33 Whinney Hill have not adversely affected the character and appearance of the Durham City Centre conservation area.

"The development that is the subject of the appeal has not harmed the amenity of the residents and has not resulted in an unacceptable increase in demand for on-street parking on Whinney Hill or in a concentration of sub-divided dwellings, and is not detrimental to the range and variety of the local housing stock or to the amenities of the area."

Nick Swift, from Hope Estates, said: "We are grateful that justice has prevailed and that the inspector has rightfully considered the scheme on its planning merits.

"It is clear from the ruling that if the council’s planning committee had listened to the advice of their professional officers, a lot of unnecessary time, expense and council taxpayers’ money could have been saved."

Mr Hayton described Mr Swift’s comments as "inappropriate".

A Durham County Council spokeswoman said the authority noted the inspector’s judgement and would take account of his findings.

Hope Estates’ bid to force the council to pay its expenses for the appeal, made on grounds of alleged unreasonable behaviour, was unsuccessful.