COUNCILLORS have approved Durham University's plans to build a new home for the centre for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies between St Cuthbert's Cemetery and Elvet Hill Cottage, in Elvet Hill Road, Durham.
The university was forced to look for a new site after residents and city MP Gerry Steinberg opposed the original scheme next to the River Wear in New Elvet, saying it would block views of the cathedral and castle.
Durham City Council planning chief David Thornborrow told the development control committee: "The university has explored alternative locations for the siting of the development, but the application site within the heart of the university campus was considered the most appropriate to accommodate a building reflecting the international status of the department.''
The City of Durham Trust thought the building fitted its setting, but criticised the "fussiness" of the detail
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