Office conversion into student halls recommended

Plans to convert an office building into student halls have been recommended for approval, as long as developers pay about £62,000 to improve the local area.

Viaduct Residents Ltd is seeking to convert the vacant Hopper House in Durham into student accommodation with 45 self-contained studios.

Planning officers at Durham County Council have recommended it be approved, so long as the Reform UK-led authority is paid £62,573 to improve local transport accessibility and public open spaces.

Councillors are due to discuss the issue on Tuesday.

The developers have proposed the accommodation will have 45 studios, across three floors, each with a kitchen and en-suite bathroom.

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