AN AMENDED application to build student accommodation in Stockton town centre has been rejected.

The plan to build a four-storey building in Yarm Lane, capable of housing 91 students and providing two retail outlets, was rejected by Stockton Borough Council planning committee on Wednesday.

Councillors claimed there was no need for the accommodation and the design was not in keeping with the character of the area.

Coun Paul Kirton said: “This building would be huge and I don’t like it.

“I am flabbergasted by this, it is right on the high street and I don’t think there is the demand for the student accommodation.

“I have no doubt that it would turn into a doss house.”

An application by the developers for a seven-storey building providing 177 units of student accommodation was rejected in October 2008, on the grounds of its size and insufficient parking.

Despite the developers down-sizing the project and providing three parking spaces in the amended plan, councillors deemed it insufficient.

The building would be classed as being in the town centre, meaning residents could use a short or long stay pay-and-display car park, or public transport links.

A spokesman for the developers, Hawkins and Beadle, said: “We have worked very closely with the planning department of this council and have spent countless hours in meetings regarding the design of this building. I do not see what more we could have done.”

Figures released from Durham University have shown that the building would lead to a surplus of 769 student beds.

This was raised throughout the meeting, but the committee was advised by Julie Butcher, the principal planning solicitor, that this was not a valid reason to reject.

She said: “There was insufficient evidence to warrant that and the figures have been released by a body that has a commercial interest in student accommodation. I would strongly advise that you do not include this in your reasons for rejection.”

The plans were rejected on the grounds of parking, access and design.