HOME owners have expressed their anger after a housing developer won a planning appeal they say will force them to live in the shadow of an estate.

Bowey Homes Limited has been given approval by the office of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to finish work on the final stage of a housing scheme on the site of the former Hardwick depot, in Spennymoor.

The company had been told to stop work on four properties at The Elms, off Carr Lane, after people living closest to the 34-home development objected to an application to reposition a block of three-storey town houses, which were already partially built.

Councillors refused permission to move them 2.8m closer to the site boundary than previously planned because of the overbearing impact on neighbouring properties.

But the decision has been overturned by the Planning Inspectorate, which felt the repositioned block would cause no material harm to the privacy or outlook of neighbours.

Margaret Eddy, who lives in the neighbouring building, in Dundas Street, said: "We are disgusted by this decision. What does an inspector based in Bristol know about living in our area?

"The buildings are only partly built and we are already overlooked and can barely see the sky because they are so imposing.

"I didn't object to the whole scheme and don't expect complete privacy, but I don't think I'll be able to fully enjoy my home of 30 years or garden ever again."

Mrs Eddy and other home owners in Dundas Street were seeking advice on whether they could make a further appeal objecting to the repositioned buildings.

Andrew Farnie, principal development officer with Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "On matters of this nature the decision is often down to judgement.

"Obviously, after visiting the site, his opinion was that the new position of the homes would not have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring homes.

"This was a very sensitive case and officers tried to negotiate with the developers to seek an alternative solution, but the developer is now free to complete its work."

No-one from Bowey Homes Ltd was available to comment last night