0:00:04 > 0:00:08Across the country, behind closed doors, we British are building.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11We're building up, down and out, to improve our homes.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16I've instructed my architect that I'm not comfortable at all with that.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19But before we build, we need permission.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23Permission from the planners, a bunch of people dedicated
0:00:23 > 0:00:26to protecting our public spaces and neighbourhoods.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30I think in its present state it possibly isn't quite acceptable.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33So, if you've ever wanted a bigger kitchen,
0:00:33 > 0:00:36an extra bedroom or an en suite bathroom, stand by.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42It's time to...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Wherever we live, most of us long for just a little more space.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Growing families need extra bedrooms,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55more and more people want home offices,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58all of us need extra storage space.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02But times are tough and extending your home is expensive.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Is it any wonder that planners are being bombarded
0:01:04 > 0:01:08with applications from homeowners forced to cut corners
0:01:08 > 0:01:10to make their dream home a reality?
0:01:10 > 0:01:13So, today it's all about enlarging on a budget.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Is it possible to get the extra space you want
0:01:16 > 0:01:18without breaking the bank?
0:01:19 > 0:01:21The planners will meet
0:01:21 > 0:01:24a couple who have taken a huge gamble on getting approval...
0:01:24 > 0:01:28I'm glad he's started it, because time is not on our side.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Obviously, they do that at their own risk
0:01:31 > 0:01:33and the risk is a refusal of planning permission.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36..and a family who are desperate for more space,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38but on a strict budget.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40You're looking at £18,000.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42I'm looking to maybe get it round the 15-mark.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47I've never had an application with them on tracing paper still.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Can these families get the space they want
0:01:50 > 0:01:52without spending a fortune?
0:01:52 > 0:01:53Will their investments pay dividends
0:01:53 > 0:01:56when it comes to reassessing the values of their homes?
0:01:56 > 0:02:00And what will happen if their planning applications are refused?
0:02:02 > 0:02:06West St Leonards sits on the edge of central St Leonards and Hastings,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09away from the hustle and bustle of the shops and the promenade.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Many of the houses are a new addition
0:02:12 > 0:02:15to the grand, Regency buildings on the waterfront,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18with a mix of large Victorian properties and new-build estates.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22There's a huge range of house prices here.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25The grandest seafront homes will set you back
0:02:25 > 0:02:27a whopping half a million pounds,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30but there are well-maintained residential estates
0:02:30 > 0:02:32where you can buy a modern family home
0:02:32 > 0:02:35for a far more reasonable £150,000.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Hastings Council's Carol Boydell
0:02:37 > 0:02:41deals with a huge number of planning applications for the area,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and she's never sure what's going to land on her desk.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47I've got an application here for...
0:02:49 > 0:02:55It's a two-storey side extension which can be very controversial.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Lindsey and Max Good live on a new-build estate
0:03:00 > 0:03:02with their two sons.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06They bought the house ten years ago for £155,000,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08but the boys are getting too big to share a room,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11so the Goods desperately need planning permission
0:03:11 > 0:03:14to stay in a house, and an area, they love.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17We can't afford to move, really.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20The money that would be taken up in solicitor's fees and things
0:03:20 > 0:03:25it would be important to us to extend this property and stay here.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30Basically, we are extending the side of the house going out three metres,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33going three metres by three metres.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39And, basically, we are hoping to gain a bigger entrance hall
0:03:39 > 0:03:43and a little utility room for Lindsey to do her washing in.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45A washing machine and tumble dryer.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49And then basically get this little fellow a bigger bedroom.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Cos we can't fit a bed in that box room. We've tried.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Getting planning permission has become a matter of urgency
0:03:55 > 0:03:59for Max and Lindsey, but they can't afford to spend too much
0:03:59 > 0:04:01extending their property and they can't live
0:04:01 > 0:04:03in the space they currently have.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05If you got a builder in I think you're looking at
0:04:05 > 0:04:08about £1,000 a square metre in this area.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11We've got an eighteen square metre extension
0:04:11 > 0:04:14so you're maybe looking at £18,000.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17I'm looking to maybe get it round the 15-mark.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Hopefully, it goes ahead, and if not we'll have to think about moving
0:04:20 > 0:04:23in a year and a half because I think that's all they've got left
0:04:23 > 0:04:26in that bedroom on their own I think, so hopefully...
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Fingers crossed.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34The Goods want to save money building their extension
0:04:34 > 0:04:37and have already saved roughly £1,000 by asking a friend
0:04:37 > 0:04:41to draw up their plans instead of using a professional architect.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44This is a unique case for Carol.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48I must say I've never had an application with them
0:04:48 > 0:04:50on tracing paper still. That is really unusual.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53I think it's a friend of theirs that's done them
0:04:53 > 0:04:58and although the quality of the actual drawings is not bad
0:04:58 > 0:05:02we just don't have them on tracing paper!
0:05:02 > 0:05:06And they're also very noisy and not very practical on site
0:05:06 > 0:05:11so I might photocopy them and get them on A3 paper or something.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12I don't know.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Basically, the room will actually be
0:05:15 > 0:05:18just over double the size when it's done.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Hopefully.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Hopefully.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25The box room is currently just two metres by two and half metres,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27not really enough room to swing a cat,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30let alone provide space for a growing boy.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33I have got concerns, which is quite difficult,
0:05:33 > 0:05:38because I heard the lady bring this application into reception
0:05:38 > 0:05:42and I could hear from my desk that she was saying at the counter
0:05:42 > 0:05:46that it was really important for them to have this extension,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49otherwise they were going to have to move house,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52and then this dear little voice from her son came along,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54"But I don't want to move house",
0:05:54 > 0:05:57and it was like, "Oh, no, please don't let me get that one."
0:05:58 > 0:06:01In order for the Goods to get the planning permission
0:06:01 > 0:06:05they desperately need, Carol has to perform a site visit.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Her priority is to protect the area. If she's not satisfied,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11it could spell disaster for Lindsey, Max and the boys.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19Time to take a trip 200 miles north to the cathedral city of Lincoln.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21It's a historic place with a castle
0:06:21 > 0:06:23commissioned by William the Conqueror
0:06:23 > 0:06:26and beautiful, wood-timbered medieval buildings.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28But Lincoln, like Hastings,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31has its fair share of modern family developments.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Lincoln's Hartsholme estate is a public housing area
0:06:34 > 0:06:37a stone's throw from the city centre.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39It attracts families on a limited budget.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43A typical three-bed semi will set you back 140,000,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46which is 11 grand below average for the city.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Lincoln Council's Mark Foster oversees
0:06:51 > 0:06:52many of the applications here.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56He has to make sure no development ruins the character of Hartsholme.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Responsible planners take just as much time
0:06:59 > 0:07:02and trouble over modern homes as they do over period ones.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09This application is for a two-storey side extension. As well as that
0:07:09 > 0:07:12they're proposing a single-storey extension to the rear.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Leon and Lindsay Sampson bought their semidetached house
0:07:17 > 0:07:19for 90 grand two months ago.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21They are expecting their second child
0:07:21 > 0:07:23and desperately need more space for their new arrival.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27It's 100% necessary. We need it.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32We can't live in it as it is. We need it.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We couldn't have just a two-bedroomed house.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I've already got a son and I've got a girl on the way.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40They need their own rooms.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Got to do it, really. It's not a question of love for it.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46It's a question of necessity, really. It needs doing.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Leon and Lindsay want to build a two-storey side extension
0:07:51 > 0:07:53making use of the extra garden space
0:07:53 > 0:07:55around their end-of-terrace property.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57They also want to add a single-storey extension
0:07:57 > 0:08:00that will contain a kitchen and dining room.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Dining room that end. - Dining room that end.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Island. - Island. Yeah.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10This would be where you walk in.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13We'd be looking 30-40 grand...
0:08:14 > 0:08:16..for the extension to a decent quality
0:08:16 > 0:08:21and that's calling in mate's rates and favours.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23The Sampsons are keen to keep costs right down
0:08:23 > 0:08:25and make their investment work for them.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28If all goes well, they estimate the house will be worth
0:08:28 > 0:08:32140-150 grand when finished.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Every day counts, and with money so tight,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36they've taken a huge gamble
0:08:36 > 0:08:41and started work before planning permission has been granted. Risky.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45I'm glad he's started it because if we got to the point
0:08:45 > 0:08:48and they gave us the OK then we'd have that much work to do.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Well, it's two months. - And time's not on our side.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55There's nothing to stop anybody starting a development
0:08:55 > 0:08:58prior to getting planning permission. Nothing to stop that at all.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Obviously, they do that at their own risk
0:09:00 > 0:09:03and the risk is a refusal of planning permission
0:09:03 > 0:09:08and, potentially, implications for what they've already built.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10That could potentially end up having to come down.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12I can't be three months behind in my eyes
0:09:12 > 0:09:15because three months behind could cost me three months
0:09:15 > 0:09:16having to rent somewhere.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20We've got a mortgage that we're paying here.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23You've got council tax that we're going to have to start paying here,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I don't earn that much money to be able to cover renting.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29I can't really see any reason as to why I wouldn't get it.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Or we wouldn't get it.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Well, Mark can think of a few.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The single-storey element at the back is adjacent to the boundary
0:09:36 > 0:09:40so we have to look at the firstly to see the impact on that neighbour
0:09:40 > 0:09:41in terms of loss of light.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44The extension appearing unduly dominant and over-bearing
0:09:44 > 0:09:45and things like that.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47The other issue is the impact on the street scene.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Even if they say "no", I'll appeal it.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55If we can't appeal it then it'll be doing the inside up
0:09:55 > 0:09:56and selling it and finding somewhere else.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59If worst comes to worst, that's what we're going to have to do.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Leon and Lindsay's hopes of getting the planning permission
0:10:03 > 0:10:07they desperately need depend on what Mark sees when he visits their home.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14On the south coast in Hastings, Carol is performing her site visit.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Remember, she's looking into an application made by the Goods
0:10:18 > 0:10:21who desperately need more space for their two growing boys.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24It's Carol's job to ensure their proposed extension
0:10:24 > 0:10:26won't look out of place in the street.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I'm just looking down the road at the moment,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34just looking at what impact an extension would have
0:10:34 > 0:10:36on the side elevation there.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39The road kind of goes in a bit of curve. I don't think its going to be
0:10:39 > 0:10:43too prominent but I'd like to just see
0:10:43 > 0:10:46how far away from the side flank wall
0:10:46 > 0:10:49it's going to come. The drawings say three metres.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Carol has to be very thorough.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56She wants to check from every angle
0:10:56 > 0:10:59to ensure the extension isn't too imposing.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04The extension is a little more visible here.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12I need to look at it a little bit more I think.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Yeah, I've got concerns from this angle
0:11:17 > 0:11:20that it might be quite prominent there.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24I think this one is borderline here.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Carol's big concern is a classic planning issue.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31She worries the proposed extension
0:11:31 > 0:11:34will have too much of an impact on the street scene.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36She may ask for it to be reduced,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40meaning the family will lose space, or it could rejected entirely.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Hi, I'm Carol. We met in reception. - Yes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46But Carol has also discovered another problem.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49I could actually do with going through the drawings with you
0:11:49 > 0:11:50cos I've had a look
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- and you've put on there that they're three by three metres.- Yeah.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58When I get my scale rule, it tells me the measurements of them.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59It's not three metres.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- None of the elevations are three metres.- OK.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05That's what it's going to be when it's built.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Right, so it's the drawings that are... Right, right.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Nine square metres downstairs, nine square metres upstairs.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12Yep. That's all right.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14So I can have a new bedroom.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17It's you, is it? So you have a new bedroom?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Not to pressure me or anything!
0:12:19 > 0:12:20CAROL LAUGHS
0:12:20 > 0:12:25I think I need to have a think about it and test it against policy
0:12:25 > 0:12:30and you should hear fairly soon. This week. If not, next week.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Is that OK? All right?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- Thanks very much!- Thank you! - Bye, boys! Bye.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38I think it went really well.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Maybe a small concern that the drawings are out slightly
0:12:41 > 0:12:45but we can get that amended, so hopefully that's going to be OK.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47I think we're going to get it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Sadly, Carol isn't as confident.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53That didn't got too well.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57I noticed on the plans that somebody had written three metres
0:12:57 > 0:13:02and it was coming out as 2.8 by 3.5 metres.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04So they do have to be accurate
0:13:04 > 0:13:06because it's the drawing that's approved,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08not what the applicant tells us it's going to be.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10The drawings are critical.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14I think if it is going to be granted
0:13:14 > 0:13:16she's got to get herself an architect
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but I don't know if she's going to need to yet.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Cutting corners has meant that the Goods' much needed extension
0:13:23 > 0:13:24now hangs in the balance.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Right, over to the Sampsons in Lincoln.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Mark has arrived to carry out the vital site visit.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37This will determine whether or not the Sampsons get planning permission
0:13:37 > 0:13:40and whether starting the work early was a gamble too far.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42A lot of these council estates
0:13:42 > 0:13:44were built with buildings set back from the path
0:13:44 > 0:13:46with space around them,
0:13:46 > 0:13:48particularly when they're in terraces,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50to give the illusion of space
0:13:50 > 0:13:53and to allow that feeling that you're not hemmed in,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56you're not crammed in and to give that illusion of space.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Hello, Mr Sampson. - Nice to meet you.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59Mark Foster. Pleased to meet you.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- I've just come to take a routine site visit.- Fine, yeah.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I won't take too much of your time.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- I'll just have a quick look round outside.- That's fine, yeah.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Take a few pictures then I'll come back and have a quick chat with you.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- Just tell you what we do from now on.- OK.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Mark's first priority is to get
0:14:16 > 0:14:19a good sense of the surrounding houses.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22It's vital he makes sure their proposed extension
0:14:22 > 0:14:24won't destroy the sense of space,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27or be an ugly addition to the other houses in the street.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29I'm just looking really at the street scene
0:14:29 > 0:14:33and looking at the definition of the terraces.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36They are each set in rows of four.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Each has a small two-storey element set-back on each end
0:14:39 > 0:14:42to define that edge, so this proposal comes forward of that
0:14:42 > 0:14:44so we need just to have a look at whether
0:14:44 > 0:14:46that will unsettle the rhythm of the terrace.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51From the back, obviously there's some markings out
0:14:51 > 0:14:52and some debris in the back which indicate
0:14:52 > 0:14:55that there's something been taken down already
0:14:55 > 0:14:57and we just need to make sure that
0:14:57 > 0:14:59the impact of what goes back is acceptable.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Mark has big reservations about how the extension blends in.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05If his concerns are sufficiently serious,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Leon will have made a major mistake starting the work early.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12What we need to address is,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15and I'm not sure about it yet, I need to have another think about it,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17obviously, you are bringing it forward slightly, aren't you?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Yeah, we don't like it to look uniform.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21It can't look like one...
0:15:23 > 0:15:26No, it's either got to be one or the other.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28So, forward or back, I think.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30We probably don't want it to be flush...
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Yeah, you don't want it to be...
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Yeah.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It's all about making sure that whatever we do and recommend,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39it's just making sure we maintain the character
0:15:39 > 0:15:41of the area which is obviously what you're trying to do,
0:15:41 > 0:15:43so we need to look at that. We'll come back to you.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44I'll have a look at it.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Nice to meet you.- Cheers, mate. - Cheers, thank you.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50He was fair with what he said.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53That's always going to be the issue - visual impact.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Whether he tells me I have to step it back right behind,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59hopefully I don't, because that's space I'm losing inside.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02So, I'm hoping I can step it out and keep it stepped out,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04because that's what you're going to lose
0:16:04 > 0:16:07in your cavity and your plasterboards,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10and the space I've tried to gain, I'll end up losing,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13and I'm going to end up with smaller rooms.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15I'm hoping I get what I've asked for.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18It's quite a substantial-sized extension.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21It moves into the existing side garden of the property.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24So, we just need to make sure that's not going to have an impact
0:16:24 > 0:16:29on the street which is an impact we wouldn't want to see.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32The other issue with that is, obviously, this is a terrace.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36The terrace is designed as a uniform terrace and, therefore,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39any extensions to it need to be carefully managed.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Back in Hastings, Carol has called a crisis meeting
0:16:44 > 0:16:47with the Council's senior planners.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50The Goods have attempted to cut corners by asking a friend
0:16:50 > 0:16:51to draw up their plans,
0:16:51 > 0:16:56a move which could spell disaster for their hopes for an extension.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00The applicant has written on this three metres here.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04It's coming out by about 2.45.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Are these drawings more or less right,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10but not what they think they are asking for?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's all to scale. It's just got the wrong measurements
0:17:13 > 0:17:14written on individually.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- That is it, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21To be honest, if it was 2.5, the impact would be less
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- than if it was three metres so it's more likely to be OK.- Yeah.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Ironically, then, the fact that the drawing doesn't show
0:17:27 > 0:17:29what they wanted it to show is actually better,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31because it's more acceptable to us.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- But we wouldn't encourage people to make mistakes.- No.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40So, are we decided then that a three by three extension...
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- Is a bit too big.- Yep.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43OK.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45So, that's a no.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50For us a three-metre square extension would be too big
0:17:50 > 0:17:53in that location. It would look disproportionate
0:17:53 > 0:17:55when you look at the front of the house
0:17:55 > 0:17:58and when you're coming down the road at the side it would also look
0:17:58 > 0:18:00too prominent and the proportions would be wrong.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02It might sound that we are being a bit picky
0:18:02 > 0:18:05but it is important that you keep
0:18:05 > 0:18:07a feeling of space around these buildings.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10If everybody built up to the back edge of the footpath
0:18:10 > 0:18:13you'd end up with a kind of very narrow view down the street,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15and you want a bit of space around these building.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20With the planners in agreement, Lindsey is about to discover
0:18:20 > 0:18:22that getting planning permission
0:18:22 > 0:18:24is a lot more difficult than she anticipated.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25Hello?
0:18:27 > 0:18:28Hello. Yes, it is.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33OK. So have we got to start again?
0:18:33 > 0:18:34A "maybe"?
0:18:34 > 0:18:36All right, then. Thank you. Bye.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43I suppose I'm happy because I didn't get a "no" no.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45I got a "change it a little bit and it's a yes",
0:18:45 > 0:18:47if that makes any sense.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53So, yeah. Correct the drawings and then, hopefully, it will be a "yes".
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Over in Lincoln, Head Planner Paul Seddon is equally committed
0:19:02 > 0:19:04to the job of protecting the cityscape,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07and he's a fan of well-designed estates like Hartsholme.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12It's a public housing estate built immediately post-war.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Been built for over 50 years.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17I think remarkably little change in much of it.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19There's a real strong theme.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22A real sense of character, real sense of design.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25I think a real sense of thinking out, thinking through,
0:19:25 > 0:19:27the homes that were being built for people
0:19:27 > 0:19:29and what the environment was for them.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31So, grass verges, trees within them,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33front doors opening out onto the street.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36You've got windows looking out there.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38A good sense of enclosure within the streets,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42but also that good sense of natural surveillance,
0:19:42 > 0:19:47a sense of security that you do feel as you're walking around here.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50The fact that it's public housing has probably limited
0:19:50 > 0:19:54the amount of adaptation and change that's gone on in previous decades.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58I think you're starting to see now some more house extensions,
0:19:58 > 0:20:02perhaps of a larger scale than we would have done previously.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06We need to try and make sure that it is the right kind of extension
0:20:06 > 0:20:08when there is such a strong character within the area.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11With such a rich design theme,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15it's no wonder Paul is keen to uphold the area's character.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17He has some advice for anyone
0:20:17 > 0:20:19hoping to extend on limited finances.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20We would always advise,
0:20:20 > 0:20:24if you can, get a really good plan drawer or an architect
0:20:24 > 0:20:29who can come up with some very clever ways of using a tight budget
0:20:29 > 0:20:32and trying to really get the most out of it. It's worth the money.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35It might not seem it sometimes, on a tight budget,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38but you can certainly end up with a quicker
0:20:38 > 0:20:40and a better result in the end of the day.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42I think in another 50 years,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45this estate will probably be largely like it is now.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48I think the layout of it will still work.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53In Hastings, Carol and the senior planning team
0:20:53 > 0:20:57have had to think long and hard about the Goods' application.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59The original square extension was a no-no,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02but the rectangular plan that was mislabelled
0:21:02 > 0:21:03on the original drawings,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06was, ironically, more to the planners' liking.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08The Goods are happy with the new design which gives them
0:21:08 > 0:21:11an extra 16 and a half square metres of floor space,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15but the 21-day neighbourhood consultation period
0:21:15 > 0:21:17was a difficult wait for the family.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Today, it's the big decision.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24It would mean a lot to us to get the approval,
0:21:24 > 0:21:29just so we can stay here in this house, in this close.
0:21:29 > 0:21:35The boys have got friends here, nice neighbours, we know everybody.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38The only thing is, we've outgrown this house and the boys share.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41So, we get this, the boys can have their own room
0:21:41 > 0:21:43and everything will be good.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49We always try to approve things, so it's not our job to refuse things.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51It doesn't do anybody any good refusing stuff.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54The only stuff we refuse is if it's going to have a really bad impact
0:21:54 > 0:21:56on neighbours or the environment.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58We try and approve them wherever we can
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and we also and approve them as fast as we can
0:22:01 > 0:22:04because we do understand that somebody wanting a little extension
0:22:04 > 0:22:08or a conservatory, waiting two months for a decision can be
0:22:08 > 0:22:10quite a painful, difficult process.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13PHONE RINGS
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Good morning, planning. Can I help you?- Hello, is that Ray?
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- Yeah, hi. - It's Lindsey Good.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Oh, hiya!- Yes.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Right, you want to know what the decision is, I guess?
0:22:25 > 0:22:26Yes, please.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30I'll just check the details. Just hold on one second.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31He'll make us wait a bit longer.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36I feel a bit sick now!
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Hello?- Hello.- Yeah, that's all fine
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- so I can do the decision right now. - OK.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46We'll do that and then we'll send it out this afternoon.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- So it's all right. It's been approved.- So have I got it?
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- Yep. - Oh, thank you!
0:22:50 > 0:22:53That's a "yes" for the Goods!
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Changing the shape of their extension lessened the impact.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57- Bye!- Bye!
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Yay! Oh, thank God for that!
0:23:04 > 0:23:09A couple of people in the council get to decide our life
0:23:09 > 0:23:10and how it's going to go...
0:23:11 > 0:23:16..and the fact that we can now stay here and build an extension
0:23:16 > 0:23:17and stay here for ever.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Really, really pleased.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24With money and time tight, the Goods are keen to get started
0:23:24 > 0:23:25as soon as possible.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Fast forward three months and work's under way!
0:23:28 > 0:23:29Lindsey's got a new fringe,
0:23:29 > 0:23:33and little Charlie is well on the way to having a new bedroom.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35It did feel like for ever from putting in permission
0:23:35 > 0:23:39at the planning to the building regs and then we could get started.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43It did seem for ever but we're really pleased that it's started now.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47But the million dollar question - how are the finances?
0:23:47 > 0:23:49We think we're OK with the budget at the moment.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Hopefully, it stays that way, fingers crossed, and we'll be OK, yeah.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Really pleased that we've got as far as we've got.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Really looking forward to seeing the bedrooms,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03seeing the windows go in,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06seeing the roof go up and living in this space, really.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09It'll be the house that we've sort of always wanted.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16In Lincoln, Mark has been waiting 21 days
0:24:16 > 0:24:18for all neighbourhood submissions
0:24:18 > 0:24:21to come in before he issues his final decision.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24That time has now passed, so Leon wants to know
0:24:24 > 0:24:27if he's got the planning approval he and his family need.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31One of the good parts of the job is definitely being able
0:24:31 > 0:24:33to impart good news on people.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Certainly, we try and grant as many planning applications
0:24:37 > 0:24:38as we can at all times.
0:24:38 > 0:24:45But in the instances where we know it is a very important thing for a family, they're expanding,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47often they're expanding very quickly,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50and they need an answer very quickly.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54As people, we are aware of issues that families are having.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57We can't let that cloud our judgment.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00It has to be done in accordance with the planning legislation.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04Well, Mark has made his judgment and it's time for Leon to find out
0:25:04 > 0:25:08if his gamble of starting work pre-permission has paid off.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09Yep.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12WOMAN ON PHONE: Just hold on while I have a look for you.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Cheers.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I spend my whole life on hold.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Is that a two-storey side extension and a single-storey rear?
0:25:19 > 0:25:20Yes, it is, darling.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Yep, OK. Let's have a look. One of Mark Foster's.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Oh, right. It's got a final decision on it, actually.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Let's have a look what that is.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Granted conditionally today.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35So, it's a "yes" for Leon, his wife, son
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and their soon-to-be-born daughter.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40A massive relief. But there are some conditions.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44"Samples of all external materials to be used in the development
0:25:44 > 0:25:47"shall be submitted to and approved by the local planning authority
0:25:47 > 0:25:49"before the development commences."
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- Thank you very much. Cheers. - OK, bye-bye.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56It's very common for planners to give conditional permission,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59allowing homeowners to get on with their building work,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02whilst specific design features or materials are finalised.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06At least for Leon and the family, they are closer to their dream.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09That's perfect for me, really. Game on.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Back over to St Leonards and the Goods' extension
0:26:16 > 0:26:18is nearing completion.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21They can now finally think about moving little Charlie
0:26:21 > 0:26:24into his new bedroom.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27It feels good that we've got to this stage.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31From the outside it looks finished. We've just got the inside to do now.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33The budget is looking good at the moment.
0:26:33 > 0:26:39We're just waiting to have a few more bills in from people,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42but we're looking like we're on target, so that's good.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50Originally, this was our outer wall and this was just all we had,
0:26:50 > 0:26:55a little box room, so now this is going to be Charlie's bedroom,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- isn't it, Charlie?- Mm-hm.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00So I think it's going to be a nice, big room. It's got three windows.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Nice and light and airy.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04You've got to imagine it painted.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07My bed's going to be here.
0:27:09 > 0:27:10My wardrobe's going to be here.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15And I don't know where everything else is going to be.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17I thought you said you wanted your telly in this corner?
0:27:18 > 0:27:20I don't know.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25We didn't want to move because we like it around here.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27So, it is worth it.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33I'm glad that Planning let us do it.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35It's all been worth it in the end.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40The Goods have planned it and built it.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43They now have the room they vitally needed for their two boys,
0:27:43 > 0:27:44plus, with the extra space,
0:27:44 > 0:27:48they've added at least 10-15 grand to the price of their home.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Within a matter of months, the Sampsons
0:27:53 > 0:27:57will have their much-needed extension, and by keeping costs down
0:27:57 > 0:28:00they estimate they'll add an extra 50 grand
0:28:00 > 0:28:03to the value of their home - an impressive achievement.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd