NEIGHBOURS say they are disappointed and disturbed, after controversial plans to build a ‘mirrored palace’ were approved by councillors.

Durham County Council gave the go-ahead for the five-bedroomed Bellevue House, off Claypath, in Durham City, despite claims it would have too many mirrored glass windows, disrupt England’s largest Quaker graveyard and affect the nearby St Antony’s Priory, a popular retreat centre which attracts 5,000 visitors each year.

The council’s central and east Durham area planning committee backed the Bremner family’s plans, which also involve demolishing a bungalow and two garages, at a meeting held at County Hall, Durham, on Tuesday.

Afterwards, neighbour Eileen Squires said: "We’re extremely disappointed at the decision. We’re very disturbed to think the application has been accepted."

Earlier, Mrs Squires had told councillors Bellevue House would have a devastating effect on her privacy and that of other residents of Blue Coat Court.

Objectors also claimed the home would be out of character with the area and ruin stunning views of Durham Castle and Cathedral.

Paul Golightly, director of St Antony’s Priory, told councillors it would be overbearing and called for a more modest design.

However, project architect David Kendall said the design was traditional and very modest; and the graveyard would remain undisturbed.

The plans had been designed to reduce the home’s visual impact, he added.

Councillor Gerry Bleasdale said she was unhappy at the proposals, felt sorry for people living nearby and called for the vote to be postponed pending further debate.

Coun Audrey Laing said the house would be overpowering and the project should be sent back to the drawing board.

Coun David Freeman said he was reassured over the graveyard but not over the concerns of neighbours. The house would be ‘massive, not modest’, he added.

However, Coun John Moran said the design was ‘very sympathetically done’; and Coun Pauline Charlton said it would be a ‘very tasteful, modern house’, which would not affect nearby residents.

Following a 45-minute debate, the application was approved by six votes to two, with the conditions that permitted development rights for the graveyard be lifted and the gravestones be protected.