Durham delight as Elvet Riverside plans withdrawn

Feb 9 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

They were supported by Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods who said last night: “I have been working alongside the Elvet Residents’ Group for some time now to highlight the deficiencies in the plans for Elvet Waterside which included building on the existing bowling green.

“Many local people were unhappy with the proposals and I am very pleased they have now been dropped. This will give the developers the chance to go back to the drawing board and come up with plans which are more in-keeping with the surroundings and which better preserve the open green space which we don’t want to lose.

“I am hoping to be able to support the next set of plans, but they must make sure they take into account Durham’s heritage, the very close proximity of the site to the River Wear, and the desire of local people to maintain as much green space in the city as possible.”

Banks and Esh first applied for permission to build 103 apartments, 26 townhouses and 10,742sqft of commercial space on a site including the former Durham swimming baths in January. Hundreds of objections followed.

Michael Shuttleworth, managing director for County Durham-based Banks Property Ltd, said: “It is extremely disappointing to have to withdraw what we believe are still very high-quality redevelopment plans, but the climate in which we are now operating means it is no longer commercially viable to take them forward.”

Elvet Residents Association chairman Jonathan Lovell said association members were “delighted” the proposals had been withdrawn.

He said objectors were concerned about spoiling views of the World Heritage Site, including Durham Cathedral, the loss of public space and the increased risk of flooding.

He called on Durham County Council to “consult fully” with local residents about the future of the area. He said locals were in favour of creating a new park space for the use of locals and visitors.