A developer told councillors he almost killed himself following objections to plans for his Durham home.
Adrian Hall told a Durham County Council planning committee meeting: "I nearly took my own life as a result of this and I think it's an absolute disgrace."
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He asked for permission to keep timber wall cladding, which he said was to protect against damp, to the front and side of a 1970s extension to a two-storey home on Percy Terrace, and to install a back door.
He said: "This little house means a great deal to me.
"I'm an experienced developer, over 20 years building anything from skyscrapers in the UK and abroad to award-winning beach front properties, kindergartens, you name it, I've done it all and picked up plenty of accolades for my work."
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He said when he bought the property "it was in a tremendously poor condition. It had been to auction and failed to sell. I think I was the only one mad enough and brave enough to take it on.
"I took the approach of trying to rebuild the house personally.
"Unfortunately during the process of this, some things have happened which have caused me a huge amount of great distress."
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He said he received "negative comments", which he asked the committee to ignore.
He added: "I can honestly say the comments are totally untrue, without merit, hearsay at best.
"To be honest I'm quite shocked."
Five objections expressed concerns about the cladding's "inappropriate" visual appearance, the back door encouraging parking, and that the home may be used as an Airbnb.
Mr Hall said: "The property has never been an Airbnb. I even discussed putting my elderly mother in there."
Council officers said "no weight can be afforded to this matter" and recommended approval of the plan.
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Council design and conservation officers did not object and said it could be argued the building's appearance had been improved. Three representations supporting the plan said it would improve the street.
The house is in the Durham city conservation area, and Mr Hall said: "I was totally unaware of the conservation issues. It was a simple mistake.
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"I set about the task with thought, care and attention in great detail.
"I was never in any shape or form trying to circumnavigate the planning process. I've been doing this for 25 years and always worked perfectly with planning departments. It's quite ridiculous to say I tried to do this through the back door.
"The work was done with great care and sensitivity.
"I'm pleased with the end result of the building. I've agreed to do a few upgrades and remedies."
Councillor Carl Marshall said: "There's clearly a lot of history locally to this application.
"But I think when you strip it all back and you look at what's being proposed, it's a very very clear-cut application."
There was no argument with his proposal to approve the plan, and councillors did so with a unanimous vote.
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