Opposition mounts to Elvet development

8:40am Thursday 27th March 2008

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CONTROVERSIAL plans for houses and offices in the heart of Durham City have run into opposition from a series of statutory bodies.

Sport England, English Heritage and the Environment Agency have each lodged objections to an application by Banks Developments for the Elvet Waterside area.

Banks Developments is seeking permission from Durham City Council to build 129 houses and apartments, almost 1,000 sq m of commercial space and 151 car parking spaces on the site, close to the River Wear.

Residents have said they are not opposed to the development being on the brownfield site of the old swimming baths and the Durham University car parks, but are against any building on and near the site of the former bowling green.

Elvet Residents' Association and the City of Durham Trust have already asked the Government Office for the North-East to block the city council from approving the plans and to order a public inquiry into the issue.

And now, in a letter lodged with the local authority, English Heritage historic buildings inspector David Farrington recommends the application be refused. He writes: "This is a complex scheme in a sensitive location. We consider that the proposed scheme would have a detrimental effect upon the character and appearance of the conservation area and upon the character of the views towards Durham Castle and the Cathedral World Heritage site and important listed buildings within it."

Environment Agency planning officer Sarah Wickerson said the body was opposed to the plans because it could not be confirmed that they would not increase the flood risk elsewhere.

Sport England has also objected because of concerns over the increased flood risk - to Durham University's sports fields at Maiden Castle.

John Ruddick, project manager of Banks Developments, has denied claims the view of Durham Cathedral from the riverside would be obscured and said that a consultation group had been handpicked for the developers' benefit.

Banks Developments has published a leaflet they hope will calm opposition to plans.

The application may reach the council's development control committee in June.

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