CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build accommodation for about 440 students in Durham City centre have been formally submitted to planning chiefs for consideration.

Student Castle has applied to Durham County Council seeking permission to provide 445 bedrooms, at 18-29 Claypath.

The company, which already operates 2,000 student rooms across the country, wants to build 311 studios and 24 'cluster flats', along with associated officers and a ground-floor retail unit

The scheme would involve demolishing the existing buildings, which are home to Oldfields restaurant, Kwik Fit, Durham City Snooker Club and Warm Sanctuary.

There would be a single entrance, reception, common rooms, management offices and a shop fronting onto Claypath, with the student rooms arranged around a courtyard to the rear.

Student Castle would run the accommodation itself, independent of any Durham University college, with staff permanently on site.

A public consultation event at the Gala Theatre last October drew a mixed reaction from residents.

While most felt the development would improve the streetscape many questioned whether student accommodation was appropriate for the area.

Of those who filled in questionnaire 23 per cent agreed and six per cent strongly agreed with the proposals, while 35 per cent strongly disagreed and 12 per cent disagreed.

In a statement prepared by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, on behalf of SC Claypath says: “Overall, it is considered that the feedback received has indicated a positive response given the sensitivities of the application.”

It adds: “The development introduces new uses that make the most of the site’s potential and provides a catalyst for reinvigorating the commercial potential of Claypath.

“This is an appropriate location for student accommodation, as it places residents close to the city centre and to their place of study, reducing the need for travel and providing economic stimulus by supporting and reinforcing the city centre economy.”

Oldfield’s Restaurant owner Bill Oldfield said: " We have unfortunately not managed to have discussion with the developers yet.

“Our position is we have eight years of lease to run – we have a very successful business there – and as far as we are concerned we will be there for the next eight years.

“So unless the developers approach us with mutually agreeable solutions as far as we are concerned it is business as usual into the future.”