DURHAM University is looking at a different site for a new base for a fast-growing department, after the original scheme ran into opposition.

Officials were hoping to build premises for the university's Centre for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies next to the River Wear, between the student union building and Elvet Riverside complex, in New Elvet.

However, the scheme, which was unveiled last year, ran into opposition from the city's Labour MP Gerry Steinberg and people living in the area, who said it would spoil attractive views.

Now the university has submitted a fresh planning application to Durham City Council to build the offices and lecture rooms on land between St Cuthbert's cemetery and Elvet Hill Cottage, in Elvet Hill Road.

The site is near the existing department, which is based in converted houses in Elvet Hill Road and South Road.

A university spokesman said: "We looked at alternative sites because there were problems with the New Elvet plans.

"Redesigning the building on the New Elvet site was one of the options and the feasibility of that was looked at.

"The proposed new building will be closer to the existing building.''

The university went back to the drawing board after city council planners called for a rethink on the scheme.

Mr Steinberg and the objectors claimed the proposed £2.5m three-storey cylindrical building, in New Elvet, would be an eyesore and would spoil views across the river to the cathedral and castle World Heritage Site.

Mr Steinberg said last year that further building on the New Elvet site - which is earmarked for further university development - was "inappropriate'' and that the university could find a less sensitive spot to develop.

The centre is one of the fastest-growing departments in the university.

In 1993, it had only four PhD students and less than ten students studying for masters degrees.

Now it has about 70 post-graduate students and needs bigger premises to cope with the increase in numbers.

Durham council's development control committee will consider the planning application later this year.