PLANS for housing on the outskirts of Durham have run into opposition because a 300-year-old building will have to be demolished.

Developer IDS wants to build 38 houses, flats and apartments on former allotments and grazing land between Potterhouse Terrace and Front Street, Pity Me.

But 27 residents have sent letters of objection to the city council.

They are worried that a house in Front Street, thought to be 300 years old, will be demolished and that neighbouring properties without foundations will be affected.

They also object to the loss of what they say is the area's last open space, the high density of the development, the loss of privacy because the development will be three storeys high, and the impact of extra traffic.

Framwellgate Moor Parish Council is also concerned about the height of the buildings and the traffic the development will generate.

Local councillor Neil Griffin urged the development control committee to refuse planning permission.

He said: "No 60 is part of a 300-year-old terrace that is part of the origins of Pity Me and it is important to people who live there. Not only are we losing a building residents have a feeling for, we are losing a gable end of a 300-year-old building."

Head of planning, David Thornborrow, said the building was not listed and the council's conservation officer said there were no grounds to retain the building despite its age.

Nevilles Cross councillor Colin Beswick said he thought the proposals looked like over development.

He said: "I thought the site was just about the last green lung on that side of Front Street."

The committee was recommended to give approval, but voted to have a site visit before making a decision.