RESIDENTS have lost their battle to block 200 new homes being built on the outskirts of Durham city.

Controversial plans for council-owned land were approved by 14 votes to three when the local authority met on Wednesday.

The project has been submitted by Bett Homes, Barratt Homes, H J Banks and New College, and includes the construction of 209 homes on the former New College site at Nevilles Cross.

Neville House will also be converted into 62 apartments, while Sheraton House will be redeveloped for offices and leisure facilities.

Residents say their views have been largely ignored by councillors.

Neighbours also say Durham County Council's development brief stipulated two-storey houses, but many of the buildings will be three storeys.

However, on Wednesday, the authority's planning officers refuted claims that residents had not been properly consulted, adding that although some of the new properties will be three storeys, they would not be significantly higher than two-storey buildings.

After the meeting, residents' spokeswoman Sue Shaw said: "We were very disappointed and we're going to consider the options now."