DEVELOPERS who dropped plans for 132 student flats amid widespread protests have returned with new proposals - for 112.

New Connislow Limited withdrew its bid for planning permission to build 132 studio flats on the former Prescription Pricing Agency (PPA) site, on Green Lane, in Durham City, in September, shortly before they were due to go before councillors.

Now the Edinburgh-based firm has applied for consent for 112 studio flats, in a four-storey block.

Elvet councillor David Freeman has asked that the plans go before a planning committee, rather than be settled by officials.

The issue, which is expected to be debated by councillors in December, has re-ignited the debate over Durham’s ‘studentification’.

Some people want students moved out of residential areas into purpose-built accommodation but others are concerned about further building in the city.

Roberta Blackman-Woods, Labour MP for Durham City, who objected to New Connislow’s earlier proposals, said the site was suitable for student housing but the previous design was too large.

She was pleased New Connislow had returned with a smaller scheme and would be visiting the site soon to see if its scale and quality was appropriate.

In a letter to the council, Nikki Dickenson, of Fieldhouse Lane, said: "Anything which can indirectly support the revitalising of the residential parts of the city centre by encouraging families and young and old rather than the creation of student ‘ghettos’ which we have now, must be a good thing.

"I absolutely support the university and its students who bring untold advantages to our city but I support their living not in family homes but in halls."

A spokesman for student landlord Student Home Zone said it was aware of the issue of studentification but new student halls must be sympathetic to their surroundings and warned against seeing developers as ‘white knights’ riding to residents’ rescue.

Professor Graham Towl, Durham University’s deputy warden, said it was ‘looking afresh’ at a range of options but any proposals would depend on yet-to-be-reached decisions about whether to increase student numbers and the university was mindful of the impact any proposals might have on local communities and economies.

Public consultation on New Connislow’s plans closes on Wednesday, November 16. For further details, visit durham.gov.uk