PLANS to build more than 200 privately-run flats have been unanimously approved by councillors, despite residents’ claims they will create a “student ghetto”.

Developer Connislow was granted planning permission to build 223 student bedrooms in four blocks on the former Fred Henderson garage, on Ainsley Street, Durham, by a Durham County Council planning committee today (Tuesday, December 11).

The plans were approved by seven votes to zero despite strong opposition from residents, many of whom were at County Hall to raise their concerns over noise and anti-social behaviour.

Jackie Levitas, who has lived in the area for 35 years, told councillors: “I’ve seen it become a student area. I want to see it become a family area again.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you don’t take it, it will sink into a student ghetto.”

Another resident, George Pearson, said: “Is Durham a university city or a university campus? The way we’re going it’s clearly a university campus.”

Father-of-two Richard Coleman said approving the scheme would show reckless disregard for local residents.

Neville’s Cross councillor Grenville Holland said it was the most significant application he had seen in 25 years.

It was not needed and not appropriate and the committee had an opportunity to protect that area of the city, he added.

Councillors also heard that Durham University had objected to the scheme, raising concerns over its management and lack of communal facilities and saying it conflicted with its own accommodation strategy.

However, John Parkinson, a Connislow director, said there was a shortfall of student accommodation in Durham, the scheme was sustainable and the firm had gone as far as it could to allay residents’ concerns.

“Durham University is growing. Whether it’s supported in this city or not, it’s growing fast,” he said.

The accommodation, which will include 90 studio flats and other flats, would be marketed at mature, international postgraduate students, Mr Parkinson said.

Coun David Freeman said Durham needed extra purpose-built student accommodation and the scheme would benefit the city as a whole by taking students out of residential areas.

The accommodation is set to be managed by Universal Student Living, which is currently going through a national accreditation process. Building work could begin next year.

Afterwards, Coun Holland said: "This was a very disappointing outcome that will not be welcomed by the University or by the local residents.

"The city has lost a golden opportunity to create more family housing to enhance the newly approved housing development on the adjacent site of the old Arriva depot."