Plans for Student Accommodation Submitted for Expanding Durham Development

An application proposing the construction of student accommodation, specifically 89 flats, as part of an expanding city centre development has been lodged. Banks Groups submitted this proposal for a site located near South College in Durham. This particular proposal represents the concluding phase of the Mount Oswald development. This larger project, initially conceptualized in 2013, is slated to include 291 residential units, commercial office areas, retail premises, and facilities designated for community purposes. According to Banks Group, the proposed student residences are intended to “meet the needs of Durham University” and alleviate pressure on the demand for houses in multiple occupation (HMO) properties. Furthermore, the application details plans for a convenience store. Preliminary designs suggest this store could potentially operate as an Asda Express, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The land designated for this development is presently grassland. However, it is scheduled for future use as an access road and a 74-bed extra care facility. Situated directly across from the planned development are two significant Durham University campuses: South College and John Snow College. Approximately 1,000 students reside in these two colleges during academic terms. In the previous year, approval was given for planning permission for 850 student bed spaces situated to the west of John Snow College. Banks Group stated that the location was deemed appropriate for the development due to the existing “limited range of amenities” accessible to both students and local residents.