0:00:02 > 0:00:06Across the country, behind closed doors, we British are building.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10We're building up, down and out to improve our homes.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- Do you know, will we get planning permission?- I've got reservations.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16But before we build, we need permission.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Permission from the planners. A bunch of people
0:00:19 > 0:00:23dedicated to protecting our public spaces and neighbourhoods.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27I think, in its present state, it possibly isn't quite acceptable.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30So, if you've ever wanted a bigger kitchen, an extra bedroom
0:00:30 > 0:00:33or an ensuite bathroom, stand by...
0:00:33 > 0:00:39..it's time to Plan It, Build It.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Britain is a crowded country.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Most of us live in flats, terraces or semi-detached homes,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53right next door to other families.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55One homeowner's desire to extend their living space
0:00:55 > 0:00:58may adversely affect their neighbour's quality of life,
0:00:58 > 0:01:01so a big part of any planner's job is weighing up
0:01:01 > 0:01:06these conflicting interests - for present and future residents!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10'There are some upsetting circumstances surrounding people
0:01:10 > 0:01:12'and the planning process,'
0:01:12 > 0:01:15but at the end of the day, the individual can move on.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18But the buildings always remain.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23So, today's programme is all about how planners
0:01:23 > 0:01:25protect the rights of your neighbours.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Is it possible to get the extension YOU want
0:01:28 > 0:01:31without upsetting those you live closest to?
0:01:34 > 0:01:35The planners will meet...
0:01:35 > 0:01:39..a couple who mistakenly think their plans won't cause a problem.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41We don't envisage any major problems,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43the actual character of the house and the area
0:01:43 > 0:01:45won't really be affected that much.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47I have got to say that I've got MAJOR concerns.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51And a family with very little room for manoeuvre...
0:01:51 > 0:01:53In my mind I feel like it's going to be amazing!
0:01:53 > 0:01:58Your extension... it may need to actually be shortened.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Can our families get the space they want
0:02:00 > 0:02:03without ruining the lives of their neighbours?
0:02:03 > 0:02:07And how much will their extensions add to the value of their homes?
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Welcome to St Leonards-on-Sea.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Once a popular Victorian resort,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19St Leonards sits next door to Hastings,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22but has a completely separate identity.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26It boasts a mix of grand Regency buildings
0:02:26 > 0:02:29and small terraced houses - some shabby, some chic.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32The average price paid is £159,000,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35but semi-detached houses can cost anywhere between
0:02:35 > 0:02:38£150,000 and £500,000,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41depending on which street you live in.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Hastings Council have planner Carol Boudel.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48A lady who not only loves the area, but is dedicated to protecting
0:02:48 > 0:02:51both the buildings and the people who live in them.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56I've got an application here, it's for a new side extension.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Shane and Marie Dove were born and bred in the area.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07They've lived in their Victorian terraced house at the top of town
0:03:07 > 0:03:11for nine years and bought it for £115,000.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14But with two growing children, they are desperate
0:03:14 > 0:03:17for a bigger kitchen and an additional bedroom.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19They've weighed up their options and decided extending
0:03:19 > 0:03:23is by far their best bet...
0:03:23 > 0:03:25We did look at possibly moving house
0:03:25 > 0:03:29and going to a bigger house, but the cost of moving house
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and all the fees that are involved, we sort of said,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34"Hang on a minute, if we spent that much on our house,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36"we could really make it work for us."
0:03:36 > 0:03:38And the key thing for us is location.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41This house has got, for us, the perfect location.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45It's close to my nan and it's close to my school,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49so I like living here and when these guys turn it over to me,
0:03:49 > 0:03:54it will be all redone and posh and fancy!
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Ooh! Little Ian is planning a long way ahead!
0:03:58 > 0:04:01But his parents are looking for more immediate benefits.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04It's going to mean a lot to get the planning permission through,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07so that we can actually go forward and it will literally
0:04:07 > 0:04:09improve our lives on a daily basis.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Getting planning permission would be a massive boost for the Doves,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16but Carol has to watch out for anything
0:04:16 > 0:04:20which may have a negative impact on those living nearby.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24They're going to extend out into this little courtyard area
0:04:24 > 0:04:26up to the boundary wall.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Widening the kitchen to make a nice, large kitchen,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32then in the roof, they're putting a dormer
0:04:32 > 0:04:34to create a large master bedroom in the attic.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37I need to have a look and see if there's any loss of outlook,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39because if the neighbouring property's got a rear return,
0:04:39 > 0:04:42then where the new extension is, there'll be a wall there
0:04:42 > 0:04:46and it'll be like a long tunnel.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50The Doves think moving would cost them about 25 grand,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and that doesn't include the higher mortgage repayments and bills,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57so they plan to put the same amount - 25 to 30 grand -
0:04:57 > 0:04:59into their renovations.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02We're doing the improvements to the house with a loan,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04so obviously, it's a set amount,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07and obviously it's got to stay within that budget,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09because we've only got that amount.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12So we obviously do as best as we can to stick to it
0:05:12 > 0:05:14and if we need to scale back a bit or take some things out,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- then we might have to.- We don't envisage any major problems.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20It's not a massive change. The actual character of the house
0:05:20 > 0:05:23and the area won't really be affected that much, so we're hopeful
0:05:23 > 0:05:28that the council will see it in our favour.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Oi! Not so fast, Shane! Carol has concerns!
0:05:31 > 0:05:35There could be quite a loss of privacy there from that window there.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Because it's serving a bedroom, it's likely to have clear glazing
0:05:38 > 0:05:43and if a window is within 20 metres of another window,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46there's a possibility there for refusal.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I don't know, it might be OK.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53It's difficult to tell on paper and that's why we carry out site visits.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57The Doves' dreams of a bigger living space will hinge on what Carol sees
0:05:57 > 0:05:59when she conducts her site visit.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02If their extension has an adverse impact on the neighbours,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05they might have to leave an area they love.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12The Government has relaxed rules on planning
0:06:12 > 0:06:14in an effort to boost the building trade.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18But more applications mean more disputes between neighbours.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Coventry may be a "City of Peace and Reconciliation",
0:06:21 > 0:06:24but planners here face all the same problems...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27OK, today we're going to do a site visit in Whoberley,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30which is a district of Coventry - it's actually a ward
0:06:30 > 0:06:36and it's out in the western suburbs of the city.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41Whoberley is a crowded Coventry suburb where space is at a premium.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45In the Second World War, the area was used to house barrage balloons,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49but after the war it underwent a period of rapid expansion.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52It's now a thriving suburb with rows of neat terraced homes
0:06:52 > 0:06:54and good facilities.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58The average price of a three-bed terrace is £155,000,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02which is very good value when you consider a similar property
0:07:02 > 0:07:06in nearby Wainbody would cost about fifty grand more!
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Whoberley is a place people like to settle and put down roots.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12A large percentage of residents here
0:07:12 > 0:07:15have lived in their homes for more than 20 years.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Coventry Council's Richard Sykes is dedicated
0:07:19 > 0:07:23to maintaining the harmonious character of the area.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27I think part of our job is very, very much this balancing act
0:07:27 > 0:07:29between different competing aspirations.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31What they're wanting to do, their building
0:07:31 > 0:07:36or their use or their business, might actually have a negative impact
0:07:36 > 0:07:40on people who live in the area or next door to them.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Paul and Paula Carmichael live in a three-bed Whoberley home.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51They bought it eight years ago for £153,000.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55They urgently need planning approval to open up their space
0:07:55 > 0:08:00and provide more room for them and little Dexter.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Well, we've got a budget in mind,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- it's somewhere in the region of £20k...- Yeah.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09..so that's really our top point,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12that's really where we want to go to, and no more than that.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15At the moment, there's two entry points from the front door.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18You can either come straight into the kitchen or into our dining room.
0:08:18 > 0:08:24When the extension's done, this door here would be a door to a toilet
0:08:24 > 0:08:27and you could only enter the kitchen through the dining room door.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Like many modern families,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32the Carmichaels want an open-plan kitchen and living area,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35which would extend out into the garden.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37But, when it came to putting their plans together,
0:08:37 > 0:08:42they had no idea what was and what wasn't possible...
0:08:42 > 0:08:45We thought we could extend all the way to the end
0:08:45 > 0:08:48of where our kitchen is at the moment and our utility room.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50But then, when we spoke to the architect, they were like,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53"Oh, you can't really do that!"
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Because we'd be going over our neighbour's extension.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58We'd be out too far. We thought, because the house stops there
0:08:58 > 0:09:01at the moment, we thought we could just extend to that part.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03So this would be essentially a family area.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07The extension then would go out and we'd have a dining table,
0:09:07 > 0:09:13where the decking is at the moment and then the kitchen would go round.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Paula's biggest wish is to get rid of her galley kitchen
0:09:16 > 0:09:21and she's already started to fantasise about its replacement...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24With the new extension, the sink would be up here,
0:09:24 > 0:09:29I'd be looking into the garden and it would go into a 'U' shape here
0:09:29 > 0:09:32and then you'd walk from here into the dining area.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35So, it'd be quite nice. You could chop here.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39I can see Dexter there, maybe doing his homework or over there playing.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43Maybe have a little TV or radio going...
0:09:43 > 0:09:47In my mind, I feel like it's going to be amazing!
0:09:47 > 0:09:49It's just getting there, really.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53We've saved for a long time to get this extension started
0:09:53 > 0:09:55and I think now that we've started the process,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58it's just that anxiousness of really wanting to get it completed.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00I feel I want to get it done, I don't want to hang around.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04I feel like, "We've done the planning, let's keep on moving on it
0:10:04 > 0:10:07"and get this dream on the road!"
0:10:07 > 0:10:11THEY LAUGH
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Paul and Paula's hopes for their extension
0:10:13 > 0:10:18depend on what Richard sees when he conducts a site inspection.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24In Hastings, it's a big day for the Doves.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Carol is here to perform her crucial site visit.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32This will go a long way to deciding whether they get space they want.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Hello, Mr Dove? I'm Carol Boudel.- Hi.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38I'm the case officer for the planning application.
0:10:38 > 0:10:44- Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Shane. - Is it OK to come in?- Yes.- Thanks.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48What Shane and Marie don't know is that Carol has concerns
0:10:48 > 0:10:50about the impact of their plans on the neighbours,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53which could spell disaster for their dream of extending
0:10:53 > 0:10:56and ultimately staying in lovely St Leonards.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Right, OK. First of all, what I'll need to do
0:10:59 > 0:11:00is go outside and have a look,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02because this is where the extension is going?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Yes.- You're moving this part, is that right?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08And then extending that one out to the boundary wall there.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Right, shall we go out and have a look?- Yes.- Thank you.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It's a big moment for the Doves.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16If Carol thinks their planned extension is overbearing,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20they might have to shelve their plans for a new kitchen.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Even already, I have got to say that I've got major concerns
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- about that loss of light there.- OK.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Also, another thing I'd have concerns about would be,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33if you can imagine the wall being there, in place,
0:11:33 > 0:11:37it would be almost like a tunnel, when you view it from that window.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40The crazy thing is, you can have a boundary wall
0:11:40 > 0:11:44up to two metres in height. That'd restrict a certain amount of light,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47so I take that into account, but...
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- I'm still a little bit nervous about it.- Sure.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Carol's concern is a classic problem for planners
0:11:54 > 0:11:57and it's something they always look out for.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Tunnelling, in planner speak, occurs when one extension
0:12:01 > 0:12:04is allowed to push out too far, and comes too close
0:12:04 > 0:12:07to an adjoining extension, reducing the neighbours' outlook
0:12:07 > 0:12:10and often enclosing them in darkness.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- And they know about you...?- Yes. - Yes.- We have written to them,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- but have they seen the plans, do you know?- Yes.- OK.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- And they're not concerned about any loss of light?- No. I mean, before
0:12:20 > 0:12:23we even started to think exactly what we wanted to do,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26because we get on with them, we said "We're thinking of doing something."
0:12:26 > 0:12:30We told them from the start, because that's something that we considered.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34The sun comes from that direction and hits the back of the house.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38I think they are quite keen to do something on their side as well.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- OK.- They're talking to our builder and it's looking possible that we might be doing it together.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- It would obviously help if they were doing the same as you.- Yes.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50But the thing is that they could submit an application
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- and you could re-submit yours...- Yes.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57..and then they might not carry out the works.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03- I have refused an application before because of that.- Yeah.- Right, I see.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06So, I'm fairly confident - not that I want to refuse it -
0:13:06 > 0:13:08but I've got to think of your neighbours.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11So, I'll have a look at the dormer, but I haven't got as many concerns.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- If I can go a bit further down. - Of course.- Thank you.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Ouch! It's a hammer blow for Shane and Marie,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19but hopefully Carol won't have such a big problem
0:13:19 > 0:13:22with their proposed dormer.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25I'm looking at the moment just to see the impact.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29I'm not overly concerned because of the rear returns here
0:13:29 > 0:13:32on both sides, it's really quite well hidden.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36I think that the dormer extension would probably be OK.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39It's just a shame, that extension...
0:13:39 > 0:13:43but I've got to think of these, the occupants of this property here.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46So what we'll do is, I'll give you a call tomorrow.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49I'll look at the plans again, have another rethink
0:13:49 > 0:13:52and work out what I think would be your best way forward.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Ooh! Best not tell little Ian!
0:13:55 > 0:13:59I'll see whether there's a way of tweaking the extension,
0:13:59 > 0:14:05or if not, I'll discuss the best way forward with your neighbour.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- OK, lovely.- All right. Thank you very much for showing me around.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12All right. Thank you. Nice to see you. Take care. Bye.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15It's a little bit disappointing, I think, because we thought...
0:14:15 > 0:14:19We thought that the kitchen extension would go through fine
0:14:19 > 0:14:22and there might be problems with the loft
0:14:22 > 0:14:25and it's turned out the other way around and for us,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27the main thing is having this main family room
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- and this kitchen extension. - If they're wanting to carry out the works all in one go,
0:14:31 > 0:14:36it's probably in their best interest to withdraw it at this stage
0:14:36 > 0:14:41and then look at whether there's a possibility
0:14:41 > 0:14:43of doing something with the neighbour.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46A little bit nervous about it, but we're still hopeful
0:14:46 > 0:14:50that we'll be able to get it done but we might need to tweak things.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52It's really hard, giving bad news.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Fortunately they took it very well, not everybody takes it quite so well,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00but you can see, they're a family of four,
0:15:00 > 0:15:05and they need the space, so I can understand that.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12In Coventry, Richard is about to arrive at the Carmichaels'
0:15:12 > 0:15:14for his make-or-break site visit.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17If he spots anything which could impact on the neighbouring
0:15:17 > 0:15:20properties, it will spell disaster for the Carmichaels'
0:15:20 > 0:15:22plans to improve their home.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- Hi.- Is it Mrs Carmichael? - Yeah, nice to meet you.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I'm Richard from the planning office at the City Council.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35OK, so what we're thinking is to extend this room back
0:15:35 > 0:15:37so then it adjoins on to the kitchen.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39One big, square room.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41OK, right, yeah.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43I'll just need to take a couple of photos looking back
0:15:43 > 0:15:46just for the record. But the main things I'll need to do
0:15:46 > 0:15:49is just try and find out where the neighbours' properties are
0:15:49 > 0:15:53in terms of their windows and then I can gauge whether it's going to have
0:15:53 > 0:15:58any significant impact on them or not. But this is all fairly routine
0:15:58 > 0:16:00stuff that we are doing here.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Planners are duty bound to follow the guidelines
0:16:03 > 0:16:07laid down by local councils and central Government, so Richard needs
0:16:07 > 0:16:11to watch out for anything which goes against planning policy and which
0:16:11 > 0:16:14might harm the rights of people living close to the extension.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20So, these kitchens, I guess they were built as part of the original houses.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22They're quite narrow, aren't they?
0:16:22 > 0:16:26So, I think it's quite a typical sort of extension to actually come out
0:16:26 > 0:16:28and widen it out.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31It's quite common in this area, a lot of the neighbours have it.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Yeah, I imagine they would have.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36I've got all the measurements. I'll just be a few minutes out here.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40I'll take a few photos, if that's OK, and keep you from getting frozen!
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- No problems.- Thank you.- All right.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Now that Richard's alone, he can get a true
0:16:47 > 0:16:50measure of the impact of the Carmichaels' extension.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52So it's a 3.3 metre extension,
0:16:52 > 0:16:57so we'll just get our bearings in terms of where it's coming to.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01That's effectively where the extension would be coming to.
0:17:01 > 0:17:09Now, the neighbour on this side is entitled to a view or some
0:17:09 > 0:17:11protection from having too much built along this boundary,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14because it could affect their light and their outlook.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15Is there an issue with tunnelling?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18That's one of the things we'd need to consider.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Oh, dear, this sounds very familiar.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Probably what we'd be looking for is either for the extension to be
0:17:24 > 0:17:27stepped in off the boundary, so it gives some more breathing space
0:17:27 > 0:17:31to this house here, or for the extension to be shortened.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Richard's worried about the neighbours' loss of light and outlook.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41It's vital he protects their rights as well as the Carmichaels'.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I've just had a fairly routine look around.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47There's one issue that I will just need to check,
0:17:47 > 0:17:51something we call tunnelling which is whether they're effectively
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- going to be tunnelled by extensions on both sides.- OK.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Now, if tunnelling exists, then the worst case scenario is
0:17:58 > 0:18:02that your extension may need to actually be shortened or to be
0:18:02 > 0:18:08set off the boundary, so that's what our guidelines are saying.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10So, at this point, we've written to your neighbours,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14so we need to see what comments they may or may not come in with
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and then, once we've done that,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21that'll be when we start thinking about making the decision.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- OK.- OK, thanks for your time, nice to meet you.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- Nice to meet you, Richard. - Thanks, Richard.- Take care.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Richard will have to think long
0:18:31 > 0:18:35and hard about the potential impact of Paul and Paula's extension.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37He also has to wait 21 days to see
0:18:37 > 0:18:40if any neighbours object to the proposals.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44This will seem like a lifetime to the Carmichaels.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46I think if we were refused, we'd be disappointed,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49particularly because a lot of our neighbours have done the same.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52But I feel like now we're going through the planning process,
0:18:52 > 0:18:55it's like we've made that first jump
0:18:55 > 0:19:01and now it feels like it's
0:19:01 > 0:19:05a closer dream - like it's going to be happening.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12In Hastings, the Doves have had their own issues with
0:19:12 > 0:19:14tunnelling, but have desperately tried to
0:19:14 > 0:19:18alter their plans in a bid to salvage their dream extension.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Carol has received amended drawings.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25Shane and Marie face a nervous wait as their new proposal is considered.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29We've got a new application in, but it's a joint one.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31The issue before was the loss of light
0:19:31 > 0:19:34and the sense of enclosure, but because the neighbour also wants to
0:19:34 > 0:19:37extend out, there'll be no loss of light to that room
0:19:37 > 0:19:40because they're both bringing it forward.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43It is unusual to have a joint one like this.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46I think this is the first one I've dealt with, actually.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50But I'll need to visit the site, because I've only been and assessed
0:19:50 > 0:19:54it as a single extension to number 19, so I need to have another
0:19:54 > 0:19:58look and just make sure there's nothing that I've missed there.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02With such a unique application, Carol has to be extremely
0:20:02 > 0:20:06thorough - this second inspection will have a huge bearing on
0:20:06 > 0:20:10whether Shane and Marie get approval for their dream kitchen/diner.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- Hello, Carol.- Hello.- How are you? - I'm good, thank you.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Right, last time I was looking at the dormer, but the dormer extension
0:20:20 > 0:20:24hasn't changed, as I can see from this. So, that's fine. So there's
0:20:24 > 0:20:28no impact on your neighbour, because this habitable room, that's going
0:20:28 > 0:20:34to become part of the room and they're having a door here, so
0:20:34 > 0:20:39there's no loss of light from yours to theirs or vice versa, which is great.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41So, what happens next, Carol?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I'll be writing my report up. It probably won't be this week,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47probably next week. So you should hear by maybe the end of next week.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- OK.- All right?- Thank you.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- That's lovely. Thanks for showing me again.- Thank you.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Fingers crossed, it's going to go straight through,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59but until we get actually get that
0:20:59 > 0:21:03definite yes, there's always that chance that something might crop up,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07so we're hopeful, but we've just got to wait for that final decision.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Sometimes, I think I can be a little bit soft
0:21:10 > 0:21:13and maybe spend too much time on a planning application,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16because I try to sort it out for people.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18But I've got to write my report yet and mine
0:21:18 > 0:21:20is only a recommendation.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22The actual decision is down to the senior planners,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25if there's no objections.
0:21:25 > 0:21:26Carol sounds more positive,
0:21:26 > 0:21:30but that doesn't mean it's going to be plain sailing for the Doves.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31With this double extension,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Hastings' senior planners will be careful to consider all of
0:21:34 > 0:21:37the potential impacts before making the final decision.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48In Coventry, the Carmichaels haven't had
0:21:48 > 0:21:52the benefit of a joint application, so Richard has to reflect on whether
0:21:52 > 0:21:56their stand-alone extension will be detrimental to their neighbours.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00My concern was whether this patio window that they had here
0:22:00 > 0:22:04would be effectively hemmed in by the two extensions so they'd look
0:22:04 > 0:22:07out of their patio window, on the left they'd have their own kitchen
0:22:07 > 0:22:10extension that was already there, and then on the right,
0:22:10 > 0:22:12they'd then have this wall
0:22:12 > 0:22:16of the proposed extension and it was that feeling of them being hemmed in.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Having weighed up the issue, Richard has made his decision
0:22:20 > 0:22:22and Paul and Paula are about to find out
0:22:22 > 0:22:25whether they'll get the planning permission they desperately want.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- It's here.- OK.- Are you ready? - Moment of truth.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Are you ready for this, Dexter?
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- It's an important letter. - Have a look.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38"Coventry City Council, as local planning authority,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40"grant permission for the development
0:22:40 > 0:22:42"proposed in your application."
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Fantastic.- Yeah, that's really good.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47The Carmichaels have a yes!
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Richard decided the generous width of their neighbours' home
0:22:50 > 0:22:53meant tunnelling wasn't an issue.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- A huge relief.- Yeah.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58And we can relax a little bit more now, now that we've got the news.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Fast-forward a few months and the front of Paul
0:23:01 > 0:23:04and Paula's home is unchanged - but, Gordon Bennett,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07just take a look round the back!
0:23:07 > 0:23:08What a transformation!
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Their new extension is close to being everything they ever dreamt of.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17It is the best decision that we did.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Absolutely the right thing to do, wasn't it?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22I think now it seems it's the right decision, definitely.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Now that we can see the room as it's going to be.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- We can tell that it's the space that we wanted, definitely.- Yeah.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35In Hastings, Carol was happy with the new plans,
0:23:35 > 0:23:39but the Doves have still had to wait anxiously for a week whilst
0:23:39 > 0:23:42the senior planners considered their proposal.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45They've been told they should hear the decision today.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48If we don't get the planning permission today,
0:23:48 > 0:23:50it's 18 months just to get to this point.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54A lot of that was thinking about the plans, how we
0:23:54 > 0:23:58wanted to have the house, so it's important that we get it through.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Shall we give Carol a ring, then, and see what the decision is?
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Yeah. Right, cross your fingers! Fingers crossed.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08PHONE RINGS
0:24:09 > 0:24:10'Hello, Carol Boudel speaking.'
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Oh, hello, Carol.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14It's Shane. We're just ringing to see
0:24:14 > 0:24:17if there's any update or if a decision's been made?
0:24:17 > 0:24:18'OK, yes.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21'I've completed my report and it was looked at
0:24:21 > 0:24:24'this afternoon by the senior planner and the decision has gone
0:24:24 > 0:24:27'in the post today and I'm pleased to say that it's been approved.'
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- Oh!- Yay!
0:24:29 > 0:24:32It's great news for the Doves, and just look at him go!
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- Oh, thank you ever so much. - Thank you, Carol.- Thank you!
0:24:39 > 0:24:40Thank you very much!
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I don't know if it's the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- but it's sort of...- Yeah. - That bit's now done
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- and obviously now with the really... - Step two.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Yeah, step two, the next bit now, really.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53The sort of... The chaos bit!
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Back over to Coventry, the chaos is finally over for Paul and Paula.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05After months of work, their dreams have become a reality.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Really, really pleased with the way that the extension's turned out.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- Really happy. - So, this is the new kitchen.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15So, now, when I'm washing up, I can look out into the garden.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19These open doors are just heaven, they are so nice, aren't they?
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Just to be able to look into the garden, but just to have the air
0:25:21 > 0:25:23and for them to fold all the way back.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It makes the room feel more spacious, as well,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28particularly when you're on the sofa.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32So, this is the new outdoor area and because we've got the
0:25:32 > 0:25:35view of the garden, it actually makes us want to do more within the garden.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40So within seven years, it's the first time I've painted the fence.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43We've done a lot more in the week that we've been here
0:25:43 > 0:25:44since the six years prior to that,
0:25:44 > 0:25:49so it makes you take a bit more pride in the garden itself.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Now their home is complete, the Carmichaels
0:25:54 > 0:25:57have invited Richard over to take a look.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59And this time, it's a purely social visit.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Hi, Richard.- Hello, how are you doing? Nice to see you.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- Nice to see you. Come on in.- Thank you. Cheers.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Wow.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Look at this, this is so cool.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17I'm just trying to remember how it was before,
0:26:17 > 0:26:22- because this is just such a huge space now.- Yeah.- It's so different.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25So, this bit here, where you were, was actually outside before.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27The kitchen doors...
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Yeah, and it's all just squared off this area
0:26:31 > 0:26:33and added all of this space in.
0:26:33 > 0:26:34It's fantastic.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40This is it.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43OK, right. I'll tell you what, I'm going to have a look over here,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46because one of the things we were concerned about was...
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- Tunnelling.- Yes, that's right. And is it going to impact on the neighbours?
0:26:50 > 0:26:52I'm just going to see whether we were right or not.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Can you Adam and Eve it?! Do these planners ever switch off?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58No problem. No. No, I think that's all OK, yeah.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01When everything comes together, like it has done,
0:27:01 > 0:27:03it's just really pleasing.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07You know, as an employee of the City Council and a public servant,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09it's just great to see these things work
0:27:09 > 0:27:11and for people to get the right result at the end of the day.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14It's definitely all been worth it, absolutely.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15I mean, don't get me wrong,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19there were some parts in the middle that I thought, "What have we done?"
0:27:19 > 0:27:21When you see all the mess and all the builders are here...
0:27:21 > 0:27:24But, absolutely, 100%, I would do it all over again.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Paul and Paula have planned it, built it.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34Paula has her dream kitchen and can watch Dexter playing as she cooks.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36It's a really desirable home
0:27:36 > 0:27:39and the extension will more than repay its building costs.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46The Doves also hope to get the space they need by the end of the year.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Once they've found the right builders, it won't be long
0:27:48 > 0:27:50before their extension is complete.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54They'll immediately add 20 grand to the value of their property,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56and more, long-term.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I think it's congratulations all round!
0:28:04 > 0:28:07Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd