PLANS to turn a popular hotel and restaurant into student accommodation have resurfaced.

It was last November when a Durham County Council committee unanimously refused outline planning permission to convert the Kingslodge Hotel, in Durham City, and the Michelin Guide-listed Finbarr’s restaurant, which operates within the Waddington Street premises, into rooms for 57 students.

Councillors and residents objected, saying the area already had too many students and the hotel and restaurant were valuable assets for the city.

However, Barbara Murphy, from the hotel, has now appealed the decision.

Bosses at Finbarr’s had expected the move, tweeting back in November: “Pleased it’s been rejected. Let’s see how quick the appeal is lodged.”

An appeal document from Mrs Murphy’s agents The Planning Station questions the “studentification” point, highlighting recent decisions to grant planning permission on other similar projects such as for Neville’s Cross Social Club.

It also says the scheme would not lead to the loss of a community facility as a hotel is not defined as such, concludes the development is sustainable as defined by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and requests planning permission be granted.

The issue will now be decided by an independent planning inspector, who will announce a decision in due course.

Anyone wishing to comment on the appeal can do so online at planningportal.gov.uk/planning/appeals/online/comment or in writing to The Planning Inspectorate, 3/06 Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN, quoting the appeal reference APP/X1355/W/14/3002049, by Wednesday, March 18.

For more information, visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications

Planning permission is already in place to expand the hotel, which opened in 2000, from 21 to 50 bedrooms.