PLANS to convert a former social club into student digs have been approved on appeal.

Durham County Council had refused Andrew Ward, of Angel Homes, planning permission to convert Neville’s Cross Social Club, on Neville’s Cross Bank, Durham City, into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) for a total of 33 students.

However, Mr Ward challenged the decision and it has been overturned.

In his judgement issued on Thursday (November 6), planning inspector Kevin Ward suggested the students would likely generate less noise and disturbance than previously came from the social club, which closed earlier this year.

He said the overall need for student accommodation in Durham was not a relevant factor and he had assessed the proposal on its own planning merits.

Some neighbours had accused Andrew Ward of trying to cram in too many students, leading to noise and late-night disruption.

Kevin Ward accepted there had been a “significant level of local opposition” to the plans, but said: “Whilst I appreciate the concerns of local residents and others in relation to the potential for noise and disturbance associated with student accommodation, there is no substantive evidence that such accommodation on the scale and in the form proposed necessarily has a significantly greater impact than other types of residential use.”

Responding, Andrew Ward said he was very happy at the decision.

“Common sense has prevailed. This is entirely the right decision and it’s a shame that we have had to wait so long.

“We will shortly start work and build a fantastic building that will serve as a fitting gateway to our beautiful city.”

Roger Cornwell, chair of the City of Durham Trust, said Mr Ward had taken advantage of the council’s current weak planning policies.

Council chiefs and other interested parties held talks over drawing up a new student accommodation policy on Friday (November 7) and proposals are expected to be published by next Friday (November 14).

Neville’s Cross Social Club relocated to Langley Moor earlier this year.

In the last few weeks, plans have been announced for 211 student beds at Kepier Court, 440 on Claypath and 395 across the A167 from Neville’s Cross Social Club at the Berendsen laundry site.

This Tuesday (November 11), the council will consider plans to convert the Kingslodge Hotel, Waddington Street, into rooms for 57 students.