Durham County Council has granted planning permission for a new student housing development at Sheraton Park, Neville's Cross.

Specialist student housing developer, Alumno Developments, will transform two large, derelict Edwardian buildings on the Sheraton Park Estate into purpose-built student accommodation as well as providing substantial community investment- a landmark contribution for this type of proposal - in the neighbouring area. The funding will be used for a variety of local initiatives including provision of a public art project, new residential footpaths and the creation of substantial new parkland. There are also plans to develop a community room for local residents and a recreational space in the derelict land between the two buildings. Open to all residents, this will transform a dangerous wasteland into a safe, publicly accessible amenity.

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David Campbell, managing director of Alumno Developments, said: "This decision really is a vote for common sense. Our vision will transform a derelict and dangerous site on a family estate into a sympathetically designed and securely managed university build. As part of this development, the whole community will benefit from almost £500,000 of investment in the local area which will include a community room for residents, provision of a high profile public art project, new residential footpaths and the creation of substantial public parkland."

(CD/MH)