PLANS to build a home for a fast-expanding university department are likely to win approval.

Durham city councillors will be recommended todayto approve Durham University's plans for offices and lecture rooms, for its growing centre for Middle-Eastern and Islamic Studies.

The university has chosen land it owns, between St Cuthbert's Cemetery and Elvet Hill Cottage, in Elvet Hill Road, for the development.

Officials were forced to think again after the original site selected, next to university buildings, in New Elvet, was met with opposition from residents and the city's Labour MP, Gerry Steinberg.

The objectors said the proposed building would block out views across the River Wear, of the city's cathedral and castle, and called on the university to seek a less prominent site.

Mr Steinberg welcomed the decision to build nearer the rooms that are currently used by the department.

He said he was quite relaxed about the latest proposals. It was an area which could quite easily be developed, and there was no problem at all with it.

A report to the development control committee said the plan fits in with its sensitive setting and the development does not conflict with the council's policies for the area.