AN application to convert the ground floor of a social club into a flat has been refused.

Earlier this year, Durham County Council refused planning permission to redevelop Nevilles Cross Club in Durham into 33-bed student accommodation.

Developers have now lodged an appeal against that decision.

On Tuesday, members of the authority’s Area Planning Committee Central and East unanimously refused a second application to convert the ground floor of the building on Nevilles Cross Bank into a house of multiple occupation.

The committee was told that the majority of conversions work on the first floor had already been carried out, but did not require planning permission as it was previously used as a residential unit.

Under the plans, the club’s existing function room and bar would be reinstated as a drinking establishment, with the rest of the building made up of three flats, comprising a total of 15 bedrooms, over three floors.

Among those objecting to the application were City of Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods and 23 residents, who argued that the proposal “would result in noise and anti-social behaviour due to the largest student population".