Terrace scheme appeal rejected

Oct 23 2007 by Neil McKay, The Journal

PEOPLE campaigning against a landlord’s bid to alter the shape of a “historic” terrace are celebrating after a Government planning inspector backed their campaign.

The homeowners in Waddington Street, in the centre of Durham, argued that their area was being “swamped” by student homes and claimed that a proposal by developers Hope Estates to extend three properties in the street to accommodate more students would spoil the character of the 150-year-old terrace.

Although Durham City councillors supported their objections and rejected Hope Estate’s application in February this year, the company appealed against the decision. But the inspector rejected the appeal.

A jubilant Jackie Litherland, a poet and author who spearheaded the campaign to preserve the terrace, said: “The general feeling on the neighbourhood is one of relief that the pretty stone rear of the cottages which overlooks our communal garden, has been saved.”

The campaign won cross-party support as Liberal Democrat councillors Grenville Holland and Bob Wynne joined forces with the city’s Labour MP Roberta Blackman-Woods to argue against “inappropriate” developments in the city centre.

Nick Swift, owner of Hope Estates, a former Durham University graduate who rents out properties to students, said: “I am naturally disappointed with the outcome of the appeal but we will just have to change the design.”