Uni bosses oppose more student homes at The Gates

Radical proposals to overhaul dowdy shopping centre The Gates are being blocked by Uni bosses.

It is meant to include all new shops, leisure and cinema outlets and student flats.

The “neglected” North Road is seeking to change the 40-year-old rabbit’s warren, but supporters are now being prevented by the third oldest uni in England.

In comments submitted to planners, the uni said the development “would perpetuate an unbalanced residential population where one community group (in this case a temporary population of students) dominates to the exclusion of other types of resident”.

The objection seems to stem from the controversial town/gown divide, something exposed by the events of the River last year.

Uni chiefs are happy with students having to hike to Gilesgate, and cope with questionable housing in the Viaduct: claiming there was  no need for more accommodation.

Second year Geography student Hannah Phillips disagrees saying: “There is always such a rush and panic to find housing, I think having more student flats available would be a good way to stop this.”

Locals have been at the forefront of the opposition citing meaningful concerns with the City of Durham Trust. These include locations of bike racks, and noise pollution – just next to the rowdy and all together local “Fighting Cocks.”

The shopping centre went into administration two years ago and was bought by London-based developer Clearbell Capital LLP for almost £12m.

Councillors are recommended to approve the proposals at a meeting on 6^th October. Watch this space.