A WOMAN has won the right to build two houses in her large village garden, despite opposition from a dozen neighbours and local councillors.

Following a planning appeal, Emily Bainbridge was given approval yesterday to put up a pair of four- bedroomed semis in Mickleton, near Barnard Castle.

She was refused permission at first by Teesdale District Council, which said it would be wrong to build on her land at Rock Villa, which is in the village conservation area.

The council said open spaces like this were an important feature of the village and should be preserved.

When Mrs Bainbridge appealed, 12 local residents turned up at a hearing to oppose her, saying their part of Low Side, in Mickleton, would be harmed, with a loss of sunlight and views, and extra vehicles would cause parking problems and road danger.

Ten villagers signed a letter opposing the appeal, which was also opposed by Mickleton Parish Council.

Wenda Fabian, an inspector who conducted the appeal for the Planning Inspectorate, announced yesterday she felt the new houses would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.

She was satisfied they would not harm living conditions of other residents in terms of sunlight and outlook, and new residents would not add significantly to parking or traffic levels.

The two houses will have their own garages as well as parking spaces off the road.

Mrs Bainbridge said she was pleased with her victory but added that she did not want to say too much about it as she did not want to upset those who opposed her.