0:00:02 > 0:00:04Everywhere you look, we British are building.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06We're adding, developing
0:00:06 > 0:00:09and extending our homes in every possible direction.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12In my mind I feel like it's going to be amazing.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17But any substantial change we make must be approved
0:00:17 > 0:00:19by a bunch of people dedicated
0:00:19 > 0:00:22to protecting our public spaces and neighbourhoods.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26We've never had an application with them on tracing paper still.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28So, if you want an eat-in kitchen,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31an en-suite bathroom or a self-contained study,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34then it's time to take action.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36You've got to plan it, build it.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Which of us wouldn't love just one extra room in our house?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46A spare bedroom? A big family room?
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Somewhere to store sports equipment or a quiet place to work?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Planners are well aware that up and down the country,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55people long to increase their living space,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58but it's a planner's job to protect our built environment,
0:00:58 > 0:01:02not just for us and our neighbours, but for generations yet to come.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Planners want to make sure we always think before we build.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11They've obviously sat at home and thought,
0:01:11 > 0:01:13"Oh, we'd like to build this extension."
0:01:13 > 0:01:15But by the time they come to us and make the application
0:01:15 > 0:01:19they've already - in their mind - gone out and bought the curtains
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and the cushions and all that stuff. So when we come back and say,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24"No, actually it has to be half a metre narrower",
0:01:24 > 0:01:27it's a big deal, it's a big step back for them.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31You think, "Did you really not think how it was going to impact on your neighbour?"
0:01:31 > 0:01:34So, is it possible to get just one extra room
0:01:34 > 0:01:38without falling foul of planning restrictions?
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Today the planners will meet...
0:01:40 > 0:01:42a couple with a tiny flat
0:01:42 > 0:01:45and an innovative plan for carving out an additional bedroom...
0:01:46 > 0:01:51- From here to the wall behind you becomes the spare room.- Mm-hmm.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Which really is going to be quite a reasonable size
0:01:53 > 0:01:55by the time it's done.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00..and a man who wants one huge room right along the back of his house.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03If the planning application is refused, then I really don't
0:02:03 > 0:02:06know what we'd do. I think we'd just have to fight, to be honest,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09cos I don't think there's anything wrong with the plan.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13One person's modernist extension is another person's eyesore.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Will our home owners be allowed to add their extra rooms?
0:02:16 > 0:02:18And if they increase their space,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20how much value could they add to the price of their homes?
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Planners work hard to approve applications but they'll never
0:02:28 > 0:02:31accept developments that cause loss of light,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34loss of privacy, or clash with a cohesive street scene.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38One extra room may feel like a minor change, but planners have to keep
0:02:38 > 0:02:41our ever-expanding ambitions under control.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47If planning policies and planning control didn't exist
0:02:47 > 0:02:50we'd be back to where we were
0:02:50 > 0:02:53100 years ago, 150 years ago.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56You'd get people building what they wanted where they wanted regardless,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58it would be quite a mess.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Carol Boudel works in Hastings - for one of the country's
0:03:01 > 0:03:04most forward-looking planning departments.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Hastings is on the south coast.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10It's not as famous as Brighton, 40-odd miles to the west,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12but it's a place with plenty of character
0:03:12 > 0:03:16and some beautiful Regency and Victorian homes.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19The centre of town is popular with first-time buyers and commuters,
0:03:19 > 0:03:20who can be close to the sea.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26A two-bed flat typically costs around £80,000 to £90,000
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- a bargain when compared to other towns along the coast -
0:03:29 > 0:03:33but space is still limited, and people here are keen to expand.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37I'm carrying out a site visit today because I've had an application
0:03:37 > 0:03:40for the conversion of a coal shed
0:03:40 > 0:03:44or coal cellar to be a habitable room.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47It's a bedroom, to enlarge the size of an existing bedroom.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Where's that first drawing that we had, just the sketch?
0:03:53 > 0:03:54Drew and Carrie Brooke-Mellor
0:03:54 > 0:03:57bought a two-bed flat in a conservation area
0:03:57 > 0:04:01close to the centre for £120,000 after relocating from Surrey.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03They love Hastings,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07but are desperate for planning permission to give them more space.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12We moved down here in 2007, having visited...
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- early in the spring?- Yes.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17We came down on a day
0:04:17 > 0:04:21when the sky was pure blue and the air was so clear,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and Carrie just turned to me and said,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27"You want to live here, don't you?"
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- And...- We said yes.- We said yes!
0:04:29 > 0:04:33We saw, well, I saw this flat, I'm afraid I made a very bold decision
0:04:33 > 0:04:36and bought it without really showing Carrie it,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38apart from a few grotty photographs.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Carrie still works in Covent Garden.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44We're three minutes from the station,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and Carrie also likes to swim, so we're three minutes from the sea!
0:04:47 > 0:04:49The mad sea.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Coincidentally we're three minutes from the pub, so everybody's happy!
0:04:53 > 0:04:56The Brooke-Mellors have had little room for expansion,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58but have come up with a really clever way
0:04:58 > 0:05:01of gaining an extra room, with its own brand new door and window.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09The current project is to generate a guest room
0:05:09 > 0:05:12big enough to put two people up in,
0:05:12 > 0:05:16cos we use the existing second bedroom as an office.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- It's tiny.- Tiny.- Junk room really, isn't it?
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Yeah, shabby chic with the emphasis on shabby at the moment.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26What we've decided to do is to knock through that
0:05:26 > 0:05:29into what used to be the coal cellar,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31and create a bigger room here,
0:05:31 > 0:05:36but our builder suggested that we try and retain the cellar wall,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39as opposed to just boxing it in with plasterboard.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41We like quirky, unusual things
0:05:41 > 0:05:46that reflect the seaside and reflect Hastings, which is a quirky place.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49And so we are going to try and retain that ceiling, aren't we?
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Keep the arch, the vaulted ceiling.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Having bought their home for 120,000,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Drew and Carrie plan to spend 10-15 grand on their extra room,
0:06:00 > 0:06:05but changes to the exterior of their flat will be carefully scrutinised.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Developments in all of Britain's 9,000 conservation areas
0:06:08 > 0:06:10are strictly managed because
0:06:10 > 0:06:13of their historic and architectural significance.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16It won't actually change the visual appearance
0:06:16 > 0:06:18of the building from the outside,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21apart from a window and a door.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25We're hoping that because we've got the uPVC windows in our bedroom,
0:06:25 > 0:06:31that they'll except the uPVC in the extension.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34The property is within a conservation area,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37it's within the Cornwallis Gardens conservation area,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39so its not just any impact
0:06:39 > 0:06:43on neighbouring properties and the building itself
0:06:43 > 0:06:45but on the conservation area as well.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Well, this is where it is all going to take place -
0:06:49 > 0:06:51hopefully, HBC permitting.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55That bookshelf there, that's where we hope to knock through.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And a quick trip around the side reveals their hidden space.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Well, this is the other side of that bookshelf,
0:07:07 > 0:07:11and this would have been the original entrance to the house
0:07:11 > 0:07:12when it had staff.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13And it's this wall that's going
0:07:13 > 0:07:16to have a lintel put across the top of it,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18and it's going to be taken down,
0:07:18 > 0:07:23so that effectively from here, to the wall behind you,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25becomes the spare room.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Which really is going to be quite a reasonable size.
0:07:28 > 0:07:34We hope that the window will be against that wall there, and, er...
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Should be plenty of light then. - Should give us plenty of light.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39The property is divided into flats,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42so they have limited permitted development rights
0:07:42 > 0:07:45with regards to external alterations,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and they're wanting to put in a doorway.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49There's an existing doorway
0:07:49 > 0:07:53but no door there, so they want to put this door in and a new window.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54It is a uPVC window,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57which is normally resisted in a conservation area.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00We think between £8,000 and £10,000
0:08:00 > 0:08:03to get it to the point where we can start furnishing and decorating it.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07We'll be able to have more books, more pictures...
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- And people.- More people! Our families can come and stay,
0:08:12 > 0:08:13- which is nice.- That will be great.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16If, however, we don't get the planning permission, well,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20we'd have to continue using it for storage,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23which is a great shame cos it's a great waste of space.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Drew and Carrie's bid for one quirky extra room
0:08:26 > 0:08:28will depend on what Carol sees
0:08:28 > 0:08:30when she makes her crucial site inspection.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31If their external alterations
0:08:31 > 0:08:34don't fit with the council's policy for the area,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36then their application will be a no-no.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44In densely populated urban areas, adding an additional room
0:08:44 > 0:08:47usually requires a clever use of existing space.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Loft conversions have long been popular,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53but planners are now seeing an increased number of applications
0:08:53 > 0:08:55for basement conversions,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57where people dig deep to gain additional room.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00With house prices once again on the up,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03building work makes sound financial sense.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10What this boils down to is everybody is trying to maximise their space
0:09:10 > 0:09:13and make the economical solution to actually get the extra space
0:09:13 > 0:09:16that suits their particular family unit.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20It's not just in densely-packed, urban areas
0:09:20 > 0:09:22that families need more space.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Welcome to the Sheffield suburb of Totley,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27which lies on the edge of the city.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28The area has a semi-rural feel
0:09:28 > 0:09:31because of its proximity to the countryside.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36But the story in Totley echoes the story up and down the country.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40People can always do with one extra room!
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Sheffield Council sees a large number of applications
0:09:43 > 0:09:47from ambitious Totley homeowners who want to add extra space,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49and planner Simon Tucker keeps a watchful eye
0:09:49 > 0:09:51on development in the area.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55This application refers to a semi-detached house,
0:09:55 > 0:09:59that currently has a smaller rear extension.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04What the application is for is to convert that extension
0:10:04 > 0:10:05and extend that extension
0:10:05 > 0:10:08into a larger single storey-rear
0:10:08 > 0:10:10that goes across the entire width of the property.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Richard Snape and his family have lived in their Totley home
0:10:16 > 0:10:18for the past 12 years.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Richard thinks the house is worth 250,000,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24and he's already put a small extension on the back.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26But now, he's going for broke.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29He plans to spend 25 grand on an extra room -
0:10:29 > 0:10:32one huge family area with flexible living space
0:10:32 > 0:10:36that will run right across the back of his house.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39The room we're in now was built about seven years ago.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42We're going to take three quarters of it down
0:10:42 > 0:10:44and build the full width of the house to give us
0:10:44 > 0:10:46much more living space
0:10:46 > 0:10:49and at the end there will also be a very small study area,
0:10:49 > 0:10:54which we'll be able to make bigger and smaller with a moveable wall.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56There's two adults and two kids in the house,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59one of them's a teenager, 14-year-old, he wants his own space,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02so effectively the lounge will become the kids' living space
0:11:02 > 0:11:07and this area will become the adults' living space...
0:11:07 > 0:11:10big sofas, TV-on-the-wall type of thing.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Richard's extra room doesn't require any clever use of space,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16it's simply extending into his garden.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18But he still needs planning permission.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20The new room can't be too overbearing,
0:11:20 > 0:11:22or affect his neighbours' privacy,
0:11:22 > 0:11:26and the finish must blend in with the original building.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Effectively this extension more or less comes down...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31It's going to be built from here,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33it will come straight along this line...
0:11:35 > 0:11:39..and then tie in with the end of this building,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41which is basically four metres out from there
0:11:41 > 0:11:44and the full width of the house, which is eight metres.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46It will have a flat roof
0:11:46 > 0:11:49and there is going to be some bi-folding doors
0:11:49 > 0:11:52which will start about here...
0:11:52 > 0:11:54and they will come out four metres,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57and then the last two metres is brickwork,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59so it will be brick-built with a flat roof.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01In terms of the design,
0:12:01 > 0:12:06it is what it is, it is a simple flat-roof rear extension,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08it's not going to win any design awards
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and the agent would be the first to admit that.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16One person's modernist extension is another person's eyesore.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21In the short term, Richard doesn't think his home will be worth
0:12:21 > 0:12:23much more than he's willing to spend on the extension,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26but it's worth it to get the space for his family.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29However he has to be careful with certain design features
0:12:29 > 0:12:31if he wants to get the green light.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34The neighbours were upset with the last build.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37The big window was the problem last time,
0:12:37 > 0:12:39it was only a little window originally
0:12:39 > 0:12:43and when we decided that we'd like to put a set of patio doors in,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45there was an objection
0:12:45 > 0:12:49from the neighbour over the fence, he said he was going to be overlooked.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52When the building was passed, we were then under Permitted Development
0:12:52 > 0:12:54allowed to put the big window in, we were also allowed
0:12:54 > 0:12:57to put patio doors in as long as they opened outwards.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00And it's been like that ever since cos we've never really got round
0:13:00 > 0:13:03to putting the doors in, which we would be allowed to do.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Under this development, on the plans the doors are shown,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10and hopefully there won't be an objection this time.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Simon is on his way to conduct his site visit,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15and already he's started assessing Richard's design
0:13:15 > 0:13:17against Sheffield's planning policy.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22One of the potential issues with this extension is the splaying
0:13:22 > 0:13:24they're proposing for the rear.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Basically we have a three-metre rule next to the neighbour's boundary,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29whereby anything beyond the three metres
0:13:29 > 0:13:31we class as an over-shadowing problem.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Now to counter that, they're going up to three metres
0:13:34 > 0:13:37up to this point and then they're proposing
0:13:37 > 0:13:40to splay it in there at a 45-degree angle.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42In terms of our guidelines,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44it probably isn't really in the spirit of the guidelines.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Aesthetically it certainly isn't ideal
0:13:46 > 0:13:48cos it is quite an unusual feature,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50especially for a brick-built extension.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53When we're round the back we'll see how prominent that element is.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55It's worth noting
0:13:55 > 0:13:57that you're entitled to extend up to three metres
0:13:57 > 0:14:01on a semi-detached house without even needing planning permission.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Sheffield council advise people against extending
0:14:04 > 0:14:06beyond three metres to avoid
0:14:06 > 0:14:08overshadowing a neighbour's property.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11However this isn't a hard-and-fast rule.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18Richard's extra room is big - too big for permitted development -
0:14:18 > 0:14:21will Simon consider it absurdly overambitious?
0:14:25 > 0:14:27SEAGULLS CAW
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Seagulls are in full voice in Hastings, perhaps announcing
0:14:30 > 0:14:32the arrival of Carol to conduct
0:14:32 > 0:14:35the Brooke-Mellors' all-important site inspection.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Remember, the Brooke-Mellors have a cunning plan for an additional room,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44but Carol's concerned about external changes
0:14:44 > 0:14:46within the conservation area.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Right, so this is where the wall... Where the window's going.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Yes, in that area there.
0:14:52 > 0:14:59We're putting a door in there, which will open out onto the decked area.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02So roughly in the middle of there is where the window
0:15:02 > 0:15:04is going to go...hopefully.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07THEY LAUGH OK, that's fine.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11In the pre-planning letter that Bob sent you, you said that
0:15:11 > 0:15:16the window should be a sash window, but he's actually redrawn this
0:15:16 > 0:15:19as a PVC to match those. Is that a problem?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It could well be, Drew. Out-of-place features
0:15:22 > 0:15:25in conservation areas are usually a no-no.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28This may be bad news for their application.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I just want to have a proper look from the highway
0:15:31 > 0:15:34to see how visible it is and whereabouts it'll be.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37So the top of it will be level with that door?
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- Erm... Might possibly be a bit lower.- Right, OK.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Oh, he's drawn it like that.- Yeah.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Hadn't actually noticed that.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Is that something you might want to change?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54We might drop it lower if you'd be happy with that.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57OK, we would need amended plans.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01That would probably be better actually.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05The main issue is how visible it is from the conservation area.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Right. We can just have a look from where we normally would walk.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19Before she leaves, Carol must be satisfied that the external features
0:16:19 > 0:16:22won't be too prominent within the street scene.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28The main bone of contention seemed to be the window,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31and it looks like if I can get Bob to redraw that,
0:16:31 > 0:16:36so that it's a little bit lower and works with the sight line,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39re-submit them, and hopefully we'll be on our way.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43The door is a little bit visible
0:16:43 > 0:16:46but then bringing the window down slightly, that will help,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49and it's what he wanted or was expecting in any case.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53So I'll just have a quick look at it against the policies.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58One visit down, one to go.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02In Sheffield, Simon has arrived at Richard's to go over his plans.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- ..Sheffield Planning Department. Nice to meet you too.- Come in.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Once again, it's just one additional room, but it couldn't be
0:17:09 > 0:17:12more different to the Brooke-Mellors' case in Hastings.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Richard's extra room is a huge box on the back of his house -
0:17:16 > 0:17:18but he wants it just as badly.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21These are the plans I've got for the general extension.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24One quick question I've got for you, these doors here...
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Obviously you've got a full-height window there presently,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Are you proposing like a Juliet balcony or...?
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- If necessary.- If necessary? - If necessary.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38If we don't need the balcony, then we weren't going to put it in.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40OK.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45Simon needs to get a good idea of exactly where the extension will be.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48He worries the new design will reduce the neighbours' privacy,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51and will look out of proportion with the existing house.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58So I presume it's re-utilising this existing wall? But obviously...
0:17:58 > 0:18:03Yeah, that stops. That goes, anything from that side that way goes,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- and we'll carry on building from here.- Yeah, I've got you.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- Do you think they'll be any issues? - Well, it's early days.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15Obviously it's early days on the application at the moment.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16OK, that's fine, good.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21We've just got to clarify what's happening
0:18:21 > 0:18:24with the double doors there.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27A Juliet balcony doesn't need planning permission
0:18:27 > 0:18:30if it doesn't have a raised platform that projects out.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33We'll have to clarify that with the agent,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36and probably get it clarified on the plans so it's more obvious.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38The increase in the eaves height will have an impact
0:18:38 > 0:18:40on the neighbour, but our guidelines
0:18:40 > 0:18:43suggest it's within our limits of acceptability
0:18:43 > 0:18:44with regards to the impact.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47We might get some representations on that
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and it might mean we've got to look into that issue more carefully.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52I think the overshadowing
0:18:52 > 0:18:54will actually be lower than what it is now,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56the roof will definitely be lower,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59and admittedly the wall goes up about 300mm,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01but overall, the loss of light on their side
0:19:01 > 0:19:03will be less than what we get now.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Fingers crossed, we get that right decision,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07make sure it's for exactly what we want.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The sun is shining in Hastings and let's hope that's auspicious.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Carol's had time to assess the Brooke-Mellor's planning application
0:19:18 > 0:19:20against local policy guidelines.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22She's now come to a decision.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27With this application, the main issue was the conservation area,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30because although normally if there's a new window opening,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34we'd be looking at any loss of privacy to neighbouring properties.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Because it's set down from the highway
0:19:37 > 0:19:39and because it wasn't highly prominent,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42or prominent even, in the conservation area,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46my recommendation was for approval of the application.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49That's a yes for Carrie and Drew!
0:19:49 > 0:19:53The phone went yesterday morning and it was the architect's name
0:19:53 > 0:19:57that came up on the screen, and he said he'd just heard
0:19:57 > 0:20:00from the planning office
0:20:00 > 0:20:02and our planning application has been granted.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05I was delighted, it's been quite a long time
0:20:05 > 0:20:08and it was just really nice to hear the news
0:20:08 > 0:20:11and know that we can get on with the project.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14It's likely to take two or three weeks to do the work.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15So, who knows? We might even
0:20:15 > 0:20:18be able to have your goddaughter down in the autumn!
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Might be able to, yes. With a bit of luck.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22It's what we wanted for this flat
0:20:22 > 0:20:25and we're going to have something pretty unique at the end of it.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I think so, yes.- It's going to be quite...quite unusual.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Carrie and Drew have got their approval -
0:20:30 > 0:20:33providing them with their much-needed room to manoeuvre!
0:20:36 > 0:20:38But what about Richard?
0:20:38 > 0:20:40If the planning application is refused
0:20:40 > 0:20:42then I really don't know what we'd do.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44I think we'd just have to fight it
0:20:44 > 0:20:46cos I don't think there is anything wrong with the plan,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49I think the plan's a good plan, it's got good materials
0:20:49 > 0:20:51it looks right, it blends in,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55it blends in with the type of house, 1950s semi-detached house...
0:20:56 > 0:20:59I cannot see any reason why it would be refused.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Maybe not, Richard, but as planners know all too well,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05one man's ideal is another man's eyesore.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08This property is at the head of the cul-de-sac,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12there's a very good separation distance to the next property along,
0:21:12 > 0:21:17so with regards to overshadowing it's not too bad.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20They've currently got a full-height window here,
0:21:20 > 0:21:24and cos it's going directly onto the flat roof, we're a bit concerned
0:21:24 > 0:21:29that might be used to use the flat roof as a full balcony,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32so in order to improve on that
0:21:32 > 0:21:35we've got amended plans quite quickly off the agent
0:21:35 > 0:21:38showing a Juliet feature and railings on that full-height window.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41We haven't received any comments from neighbours,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44so I'll be submitting my written report,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46which is all here,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50and my team leader will take a look at it and make the final decision.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54You may want to have a quick look
0:21:54 > 0:21:56at whether there's a balcony issue or not.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Once senior planner Chris Heeley has studied the report,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01the Snapes will receive their decision -
0:22:01 > 0:22:03but will it be the one they want?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Simon, it's Richard Snape.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07I just wondered now the consultation period was over,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09whether you had any news for us?
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Yeah, sure...it has been granted, the application.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16That's a yes for Richard and the family!
0:22:16 > 0:22:19The great big back-garden box can now be built.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Right, fantastic, thanks very much. Thanks for all your help.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Let's get digging.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29And that's exactly what they've done.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Fast forward five weeks and the extension is halfway to completion.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36It's just a pity the neighbours aren't too pleased.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40The neighbours expressed a view to the bricklayers,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43saying that it's big, it's ridiculous, it doesn't look right,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45it stands out. And at the moment it does look big
0:22:45 > 0:22:47and it does look a little bit ridiculous,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50cos it does just look like a big brick box.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54So this'll be the office area, they'll be a moveable wall,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56to make the room bigger or smaller
0:22:56 > 0:22:58more the living space, to make that bigger,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00if we need to for Christmas and stuff like that.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05That window gets bricked up, this window gets made bigger.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09The obvious opening for the bi-fold doors.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12When you're stood from the outside you can see why the neighbours
0:23:12 > 0:23:16have got a bit of an issue at the moment, and because of all the mess,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18but once we've had a good clear up -
0:23:18 > 0:23:20all the wood's going this week -
0:23:20 > 0:23:22it will look a lot better.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26It increases the ground floor area of the house...
0:23:26 > 0:23:28by about 25%.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32The kids will have more space and we'll have more space,
0:23:32 > 0:23:36and it'll just feel more open and more relaxed to a certain extent.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Back in Hastings,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Drew and Carrie's extra bedroom is nearing completion.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47The stress and upheaval of planning and building has been huge,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50but they're close to getting the space they've dreamed about.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Well, we're two months down into the project
0:23:53 > 0:23:55since you last came to see us,
0:23:55 > 0:23:59and we've ended up with a cellar at the moment that looks like
0:23:59 > 0:24:03the inside of the TARDIS or a set from Doctor Who.
0:24:04 > 0:24:05I think my goddaughter
0:24:05 > 0:24:08is going to be very surprised and hopefully pleased.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11I think she will really like the fact that she has got a room to herself.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16And we've got a space that we can see as being a quirky, unusual,
0:24:16 > 0:24:21wacky, fun place that goes with our style...
0:24:21 > 0:24:25and says Hastings as well.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29They've knocked through the door. And if you step up onto the floor
0:24:29 > 0:24:36the floorboards gone down, this is membrane that's got to come in.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41We've got the window way and the doorway here, which is going to
0:24:41 > 0:24:46look out onto what will eventually be a Mediterranean garden.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48And at the moment looks like a builder's yard.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53What they've done is put in the frame for the slope
0:24:53 > 0:24:57and also we've got the arch ceiling that we wanted.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01That's the whole point of doing... We wanted something unusual.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03This is a conservation area,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07it's nice to hold the spirit of conservation and try
0:25:07 > 0:25:10and keep this character within it.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13And how many spare rooms have an arched ceiling and a sloped wall?
0:25:15 > 0:25:16I think we'll move in here.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26Over in sunny Sheffield, the work is almost finished on the extension.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Richard and his family are about to get the space
0:25:29 > 0:25:30they desperately wanted.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Now the doors are in it, it's like,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38it feels really good to have it done.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41there's a few little things to finish off outside with
0:25:41 > 0:25:45landscaping and things like that, but besides that it's good.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Sat outside last night, it was really nice.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49And what do you think of the doors?
0:25:49 > 0:25:51- Cool.- They're cool.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54If a nine-year-old thinks they're cool, they must be.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56It is massive when you're in there.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58There's more space than we actually need.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01The idea of having all this space is really good.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03We just got to decide what flooring to use.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06We've got a dark and a light one, I prefer the light one.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Which one do you prefer?
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- Neither of them.- You prefer neither of them, there you go.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15If we move round here, this will move backwards and forwards.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19So if you want to make the room bigger, we can slide it that way.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22We won't really make it any smaller, I haven't of thought, but
0:26:22 > 0:26:25maybe in a few years, I don't know, then we can move it the other way.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28And we've got plenty of storage and everything on this side.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30We've got a desk which fits here.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Just loads and loads of storage space.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Bit of light from the window, which was never on the original drawings.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40We decided halfway through to put a window in,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42which really strictly we should have done from day one.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45and I was advised by the architect to put a window in as well.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49He was right. Listen to your architect.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Juliet balcony was part of the planning restriction.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55We're having a little bit of a problem of the moment
0:26:55 > 0:26:57trying to find one that looks right, to be perfectly honest,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59cos there are plenty out there,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02but they just don't seem to...just don't seem to look right.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04But from the point of view as a structure,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07the structure is finished all by the Juliet balcony.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11And a couple of little electrical things and it could be signed off,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15so from that point of view, I think it's been a resounding success.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19I'm 50 in two weeks, so the first thing is my big party.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22It's always been in the back of my mind that as long as it's finished
0:27:22 > 0:27:25by my 50th birthday, then that will be like the icing on the cake.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28So, yeah, as far as I'm concerned anyway.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Richard has planned it, built it.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35And what a difference one room can make.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39The back extension has transformed the family living area.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42It's a huge increase in space and in the long-term should more
0:27:42 > 0:27:45than repay the 25 grand Richard spent on it.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Drew and Carrie's extension is almost complete.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55They've created a charming and idiosyncratic new bedroom.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58And it's a canny investment - carving out extra space
0:27:58 > 0:28:02in a conservation area is complicated but clever.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04I think it's congratulations all round.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd