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 > 0:00:13To have this as a bigger space means I can have more people round,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16and it just changes your day-to-day life.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19But before we build, we need permission.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Permission from the planners.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23A bunch of people dedicated to
0:00:23 > 0:00:26protecting our public spaces and neighbourhoods.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28We have had one objection to the proposal.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Yeah, feel quite grumpy really.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32So, if you've ever wanted a bigger kitchen,
0:00:32 > 0:00:34an extra bedroom or an en suite bathroom,
0:00:34 > 0:00:37stand by it's time to...
0:00:37 > 0:00:38Plan It, Built It.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Britain has beautiful buildings - Victorian terraces,
0:00:48 > 0:00:52Georgian townhouses and even the odd medieval dwelling.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54In fact, 20% of Britain's houses
0:00:54 > 0:00:57were built before the end of the First World War.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01A crucial part of every planner's job is protecting our heritage.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03And it's not always easy.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Once you've lost that historic asset,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10whether it be a building, window design, doors,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13once they've gone it's so difficult to get them back.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17So today we're looking at our historic buildings and spaces,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20is it possible to extend or alter your home
0:01:20 > 0:01:23if you live somewhere with special conservation status?
0:01:25 > 0:01:26We will meet...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30..a man determined to increase the size of his loft.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33This room's no good for anything really
0:01:33 > 0:01:34apart from a single bed and a baby.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38And a couple with a great view, but a difficult problem.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40One of them has to actually go outside to sleep.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45And it's not just about adding space, it's also about adding value.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Getting planning permission is often financially crucial.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Back in the '60s, worried about over-development,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58the Government introduced the concept of the Conservation area.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00From zero in 1967,
0:02:00 > 0:02:05there are now 9,300 of these dotted across the nation.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08If you don't protect a conservation area, the character's going to erode.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11There will be so many different alterations that it
0:02:11 > 0:02:16looses its value, its historic value, its social value,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18its reason for being a conservation area.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23One of these protected areas lies in
0:02:23 > 0:02:26the little known London suburb of Nunhead.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Much of it was heavily bombed during the war,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32but one small pocket emerged unscathed - Nunhead Green.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37The charming, neat rows of Victorian terraces
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and quiet streets make this the perfect place for young families
0:02:40 > 0:02:44and first-time buyers with an eye for a bargain.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45And what a bargain!
0:02:45 > 0:02:49You'll pay around 550 grand for a three-bed house here,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53which is an eye watering 150 grand cheaper than a similar house
0:02:53 > 0:02:55in neighbouring East Dulwich.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00So, who has the task of defending the character of
0:03:00 > 0:03:01Nunhead's historic buildings?
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Meet Southwark council's, Alex Cameron.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08The application we've got in front of us today
0:03:08 > 0:03:13is for a dormer roof extension to a first floor flat.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19The best bit of the flat is these windows which,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23as you come in through the door into the living room, I really like.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26It's all a bit Jackanory really. "Through the arched window!"
0:03:28 > 0:03:34Roland Cain has bought a one-bed flat in Nunhead Green for £238,000.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38And he's planning to spend another 40 grand renovating the property.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41He's desperate to add a proper second bedroom for his son
0:03:41 > 0:03:43when he visits from university.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46The house could be worth over 300,000 when finished,
0:03:46 > 0:03:48but it won't be plain sailing.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Roland needs to get planning permission to solve a structural headache.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55You can see there's a bit of a problem here.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00Even before I've walked into the landing I'm banging my head
0:04:00 > 0:04:02and I'm not particularly tall.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07What I'm afraid of is that, because this is a conservation area,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10what I'm hoping to do is extend the dormer,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12that's in the next room we'll look at,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15right the way along to this wall.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16This is five foot wide this bit
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and this room is not good for anything apart from a single bed
0:04:20 > 0:04:23and a baby and someone who likes banging their head a lot.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27The plans that we've submitted will run this dormer right
0:04:27 > 0:04:30the way across the house, which is about five metres.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Dormers give more space to a loft area by extending out
0:04:34 > 0:04:35from the existing roof.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39Roland wants a dormer, running right across the back of the house,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41creating a proper room in the loft
0:04:41 > 0:04:43and providing more headroom on the stairs.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Alex wouldn't have a problem with this,
0:04:45 > 0:04:49but in a conservation area he can't allow the dormer on the front
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and would need a very good reason to allow it on the back.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Because the property is within a conservation area
0:04:54 > 0:04:57it does restrict what alterations you can do to the front,
0:04:57 > 0:05:01particularly to the roof of the building.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05We look to try and keep it as original as possible
0:05:05 > 0:05:07within conservation areas.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12If Roland doesn't get the approval he's after he'll have wasted his time AND his money.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17If the decision goes against me
0:05:17 > 0:05:21then effectively I'll just have to refurbish the flat as it is
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and sell it on because it won't be fit for me to live in.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29I need a second room for my son to join me.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Roland's hopes for his son's new bedroom
0:05:34 > 0:05:36hinge on a make-or-break site visit.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Can he persuade the planners that his need for space
0:05:39 > 0:05:42justifies any impact on this picturesque neighbourhood?
0:05:47 > 0:05:52But it's not just in towns and cities that planners have special powers to stop development.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Our countryside is protected too.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58There are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01They're known as AONBs in planner speak,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03and if you're lucky enough to live in one,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06you may find you're not so lucky when it comes to planning.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Hastings might not be the wealthiest place in the country,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15but it does have some beautiful buildings,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18and some stunning countryside.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20This is The High Weald, AONB.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24This protected area sits next to Ore,
0:06:24 > 0:06:28historically one of the most downtrodden areas of Hastings.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32But today, this hilly suburb has become much more desirable,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35three-bed detached houses will set you back between
0:06:35 > 0:06:38180 and 190,0000,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41and there's one place where prices are at a premium -
0:06:41 > 0:06:45on this elevated road where houses overlooking the High Weald
0:06:45 > 0:06:48can sell for as much half a million pounds!
0:06:50 > 0:06:55The views are stunning and you're only a ten minute drive from the sea.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Hastings council's Carol Boydell is dedicated to protecting this area
0:06:59 > 0:07:04and she's on her way to visit a couple whose house overlooks the High Weald AONB.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10It's protected countryside and we have planning policies that protect the countryside there.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13The couple really want a two-storey extension,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16but like every planner, Carol has to stick to the rules -
0:07:16 > 0:07:20policies set by the council and driven by guidelines
0:07:20 > 0:07:21from the government.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24There's also a policy about development outside
0:07:24 > 0:07:26the built up area
0:07:26 > 0:07:29which means if somebody wants to develop,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33even if it's just putting up a shed that needs planning permission,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36it still has to be tested against the policy
0:07:36 > 0:07:41so that we can regulate how much development takes place.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- The views are just stunning. - It sold the house to us.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Absolutely.- We didn't buy the house, we bought the views.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54And who could blame them?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Bill and Cally O'Reilly recently moved down from just outside
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Milton Keynes after falling in love with the area on holiday.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04They put their savings into buying their dream home,
0:08:04 > 0:08:09but now need planning permission to solve an unusual problem.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12One of the strange things about this house, it has three bedrooms,
0:08:12 > 0:08:16but one of them is only accessible from outside.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19So you actually have to go out the back door, down the steps
0:08:19 > 0:08:22and then round the back of the house and then into the third bedroom.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23So a little strange.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Yeah, and when we've got both our daughters here, one of them actually
0:08:26 > 0:08:31has to go outside to sleep and it's just a bit horrible, so we'd like
0:08:31 > 0:08:36the extension to bring the third bedroom into the rest of the house.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38So downstairs is going to be the utility room
0:08:38 > 0:08:40and a shower for the third bedroom.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Then upstairs will be extended out. I've got the study,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46so my desk doesn't have to be in what's essentially the dining room.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Initially we thought that perhaps we could get it done
0:08:49 > 0:08:51for 30 or 40,0000, but I don't think it's going to be that now,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I think it's going to be more like 50 going on 60.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Before we moved in here we had a visit to the planning office.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01When they asked us where we lived, we pointed it out on the map and they said, "Right.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06"If ever you want to change anything, we'll look at it very closely."
0:09:06 > 0:09:09We hope that what we're proposing is not going to be obtrusive
0:09:09 > 0:09:11to anybody and it will sort of fit in fairly well.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Fingers crossed we get the extension.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20In Southwark, it's an important day for Roland Cain who needs
0:09:20 > 0:09:24a bigger dormer window to create space for his son's bedroom.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Alex Cameron from Southwark's planning office has arrived
0:09:27 > 0:09:29to carry out the all-important site visit.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- Hi, Alex Cameron.- Hi. Come on. - Thank you very much.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39Since 2007, Nunhead Green has been a conservation area,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42which could spell disaster for Roland's plans.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47But he has a secret weapon - in the form of another council officer!
0:09:47 > 0:09:52Roland has invited Hailu Worku from Southwark's building control to join the meeting.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55From Hailu's point of view the headroom on the stairs
0:09:55 > 0:09:57is too low and ought to be raised.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01But the final say on whether the project can go ahead rests with Alex.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Obviously this is the front, isn't it? So it's the top floor.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09So that's the offending member.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Right. So it's obviously quite low, isn't it?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15I'm a little under six foot.
0:10:15 > 0:10:21At the moment the application has the dormer coming out
0:10:21 > 0:10:22to halfway across,
0:10:22 > 0:10:27and what I was asking for was a special bit of leeway
0:10:27 > 0:10:32to push this dormer to maybe this far from this boundary wall.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36From your perspective, Hailu...
0:10:36 > 0:10:38From Building Control side
0:10:38 > 0:10:43the minimum requirement is a two metre clearance,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46so if there's no problem from planning...
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- we will encourage the customer to have a two metre.- OK.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53'Two metres headroom. That's VERY good news for Roland.'
0:10:53 > 0:10:57If there is any restriction from planning, we can do nothing
0:10:57 > 0:11:00because it's an existing loft conversion.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02'Or maybe not!'
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I think we've got to look at... It's a delicate balance.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Obviously it's a conservation area around here
0:11:07 > 0:11:10and externally we need to make sure that's not compromised,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14so it's about trying to negotiate a resolution between the three parties
0:11:14 > 0:11:18and trying to make that work as best we can.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Do you want to look just before we go down at the room next door.
0:11:22 > 0:11:28Oh, wow. It's a rather small room, isn't it?
0:11:28 > 0:11:32I'm planning on swinging cats, I do a lot of that.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- You're going to need the space for that, aren't you?- I think so.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40So, I can appreciate that you want to increase this space here
0:11:40 > 0:11:45to allow for a decent-sized bedroom really.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49From our planning perspective we have to look at how it
0:11:49 > 0:11:52affects the visual appearance of the building.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54There's a dormer on that side which goes up to the party wall,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58that side, and there's an extended dormer down the road that
0:11:58 > 0:12:00goes up to the party wall.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03There's obviously a precedent of other similar alterations.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Just not quite as wide as we want to go.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09OK. Full width dormer extensions in conservation areas
0:12:09 > 0:12:12are usually not permitted.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15In this instance there are bigger dormers
0:12:15 > 0:12:17which works in your favour.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Roland's plans are hanging in the balance.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Alex needs to assess whether other properties have dormers
0:12:22 > 0:12:24the size and shape that Roland wants.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27If not, it could be curtains for his son's new bedroom.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32There's a dormer to the right and another dormer to the left.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Neither of them is as wide as I'm hoping to go.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Both side are larger which, again in principle,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42means that you having a larger extension is fine.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45There's a bigger one by the looks of it at the very end.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47I'll have a look into that and I'll check
0:12:47 > 0:12:52the history of surrounding ones and I'll get back to you on that front.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56Alex needs to take loads of photos so he can carefully study
0:12:56 > 0:13:01the pictures and work out if other houses have similar style dormers.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Roland's got his fingers crossed.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08If I'm lucky and they've got planning for that at the end there,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10I'm hoping that that might just tip
0:13:10 > 0:13:14the balance in our favour to get the full width dormer and then keep
0:13:14 > 0:13:19the pitch of that parapet wall which seems to be important for planners.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21That might be a good compromise.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27With the visit over, it will now be a nervy wait for Roland.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29There's a 21-day neighbourhood consultation period
0:13:29 > 0:13:33before Alex makes his "yes" or "no" decision.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- Thanks for coming down. - Nice to meet you.- Bye.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Up on the High Weald in Hastings,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Carol has arrived for her crucial site visit.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Hello, Carol Boydell.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- Bill O'Reilly, pleased to meet you. - Hi, I'm Cally.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Lovely location.- Beautiful.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55How long have you lived here?
0:13:55 > 0:13:57We've been here just over five months.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Came through here, fell in love with the place and thought, "Somehow we've got to do it."
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- Yeah. "And we'll have to make the house expand with us!"- Exactly! Yes.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09This inspection is everything.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Carol's impression of the site, and the impact of the extension,
0:14:12 > 0:14:15will determine whether the O'Reillys get to
0:14:15 > 0:14:19integrate their third bedroom or face rejection.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Right. If we can have a look at what you're proposing to do.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26This is lower ground floor, which is this area here.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30So that's an existing bedroom that is only accessible
0:14:30 > 0:14:35from the outside and so we want to fill in this corner with a
0:14:35 > 0:14:39two-storey extension, with a utility room downstairs and a wet room.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40With internal stairs.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45With internal stairs up going in through there and then that room
0:14:45 > 0:14:48will extend out this way to become...
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- To create a study area upstairs. - Oh, I see.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54So it's going to be a flat roof and it's going to be rendered
0:14:54 > 0:14:57to match the existing dwelling, that's good.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00OK, if I can have a look from further down the path
0:15:00 > 0:15:03and looking back at the house that would be helpful.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06With so much riding on this visit,
0:15:06 > 0:15:11Carol must be sure she's viewed the problem from every possible angle.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15She needs to take into account the O'Reilly's desire for better
0:15:15 > 0:15:18living space, but crucially she must remember her long-term
0:15:18 > 0:15:22responsibility to protect this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- So where is that over there? - That's Friar's Hill.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Can you get a view of the property at all from there?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32You probably could if were to drive over there,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35park up and walk along the road, you might get a glance.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- But it's...- Between properties.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Well, that's a good thing
0:15:40 > 0:15:47because I've also got to test the impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we can't have
0:15:47 > 0:15:54your extension having an adverse impact on that, so if it's difficult to view, that's good for you.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Lovely. It's beautiful out here.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00We all agree, Carol, but the big question is...
0:16:00 > 0:16:03So what do you think? Will we get planning permission?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Well, I've got to go back to the office and test it against policies,
0:16:06 > 0:16:12but I've got reservations, but I'll have a look at the local plan.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- My main priority is the AONB.- Right.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19I've also got to check when I get back to the office
0:16:19 > 0:16:21to see whether you're outside the built up area,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25so there is another policy that can be quite restrictive about how much
0:16:25 > 0:16:30development takes place outside the built up area, so I'm going
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- to test it against that, so I think they're your two main concerns.- OK.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35Right, OK, I think that's everything.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Thanks very much for being here for me.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Hopefully you won't hear from me later,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43you'll just get a decision through, but if there is any tweaking
0:16:43 > 0:16:44that needs doing,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47or if there is a major problem I will phone you because
0:16:47 > 0:16:51I don't want you worrying about it and see what might possible.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- Is that OK? - That sounds great.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Thanks very much.- Bye, Poppy. - Bye.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58We appreciate that we're in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty -
0:16:58 > 0:17:00it's one of the reasons we moved here,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03and we had consulted the planning office before we came here,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05we knew there were lots of restrictions.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09But we're hopeful that this planning application will go through.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10Fingers crossed we'll be OK.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13We'll have to wait and see, but I'm hopeful.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I want a utility room!
0:17:15 > 0:17:16I want a study.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Fabulous property, fabulous views,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24it is going to be prominent from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:17:24 > 0:17:29which could be an issue with regards to planning policy.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33I've got to go back to the office, have a look at the local plan.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36I think what I'll do is I don't always discuss every application
0:17:36 > 0:17:40with senior planners, but I think this is one I just want to check.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49In Southwark, Alex has been finding it hard to reach a decision.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53The location of Roland's flat in a conservation area makes
0:17:53 > 0:17:54the application problematic,
0:17:54 > 0:17:58which doesn't bode well for his son's new room.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Alex has called a crunch meeting with Hailu from building control
0:18:01 > 0:18:03before he delivers his verdict.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Good morning, Hailu. - Morning, nice to see you again.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15So obviously we're here to discuss the plans.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17There's not been any objections from neighbours,
0:18:17 > 0:18:22but I have spoken to our design conservation team about it
0:18:22 > 0:18:26and also done some research with regard to the surrounding area,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28whether there's any similar extensions
0:18:28 > 0:18:33within the conservation area and whether there's a precedent really
0:18:33 > 0:18:35to allow a large extension.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Unfortunately from their perspective there's not.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40So what we're going to need him to do is to make it smaller
0:18:40 > 0:18:42and bring it in from the sides.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45The problem is here where the staircase is...
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Building control requires two metres of headroom clearance,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52but for Alex this will unduly affect the look of Roland's extension,
0:18:52 > 0:18:56making it out of place within the conservation area.
0:18:56 > 0:19:02What I thought about suggesting to the applicant would be that perhaps,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06bring it over to this side so that you retain that headroom there.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11It makes the internal room a bit smaller, but I think still creates
0:19:11 > 0:19:16a decent enough bedroom and obviously meets the headroom requirements.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18I mean from our side the main concern is the headroom,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22so if they come from this side, we don't have any problem
0:19:22 > 0:19:25because there is no requirement inside a room.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30So what I think what I'll suggest in that regard is that we
0:19:30 > 0:19:34look at amending the plans so that they take into account
0:19:34 > 0:19:37the conservation side of things and also the building control side
0:19:37 > 0:19:42of things and have a decent headroom in there, but also
0:19:42 > 0:19:47they will ensure that the extension is small enough, it doesn't
0:19:47 > 0:19:51dominate the building and it's not out of place in a conservation area.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Thank you for your time.- Good to see you and I'll see you again soon.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Cheers.- Bye-bye.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58'Yeah. I'm generally happy with the resolution.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:01The extension is still relatively large, but given
0:20:01 > 0:20:05the fact that there are similar sized extensions on the neighbouring
0:20:05 > 0:20:09properties I think I'm pretty satisfied with what we've agreed.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Obviously we need to get the applicant to agree to those
0:20:12 > 0:20:17amendments first, but fingers crossed they'll be keen to do that
0:20:17 > 0:20:22and we can get that resubmitted and approved, hopefully, in the next week or two.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Up on the High Weald on the outskirts of Hastings,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31the O'Reillys are longing to get the go-ahead to restructure
0:20:31 > 0:20:33the corner of their home.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36But Carol's also finding it difficult to make the decision
0:20:36 > 0:20:40which will have a huge impact on Bill and Cally's living space.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43I was quite nervous on site because it is so elevated,
0:20:43 > 0:20:49it's right at the top of that ridge and it's quite exposed.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Karen. Can I have a word about Hysted?- Yep.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56Carol's referring the application to one of Hasting's senior planners -
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Karen Phillips.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02I've done the report and my main concern was about the AONB.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05And you looked at the emerging plan, didn't you?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Yup, I looked at the emerging plan
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- and everything. I think I've covered everything.- OK, then.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15If you can have a look at that and let me know what you think.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- Yeah, will do.- Thank you.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20The property's not got any immediate neighbours,
0:21:20 > 0:21:24so it's quite on its own and secluded within the AONB.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29We don't allow a lot of development in the AONB at all.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34It's quite rare that anyone gets permission to develop anything
0:21:34 > 0:21:38more significant than this sort of size extension.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42The planners have thought long and hard about the O'Reilly's application -
0:21:42 > 0:21:46so fingers crossed, everyone, when they ring in for news...
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Good afternoon. Planning. Carol speaking.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49Oh, Carol. It's Bill O'Reilly.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51I was wondering if you had any news for us?
0:22:03 > 0:22:04That's great, Carol.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Yes?- Yes!
0:22:06 > 0:22:08It's a yes!
0:22:08 > 0:22:11So next step is Building Regulations,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15then we've got to find ourselves a builder and then we can get going.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Then we can have both girls under the same roof.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- Correct.- Brilliant, yeah!
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Fast forward four weeks
0:22:22 > 0:22:26and the O'Reillys have begun to turn their dream into reality.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Their planning permission maybe valid for three years,
0:22:28 > 0:22:29but they're not waiting,
0:22:29 > 0:22:33they want their extension built as soon as possible.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Very excited that this has now gone from a concept four months ago
0:22:37 > 0:22:40to here we are breaking ground,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44and, you know, within three months we will have an extension here.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I'm very happy with the builder that we've chosen.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I've got confidence in the guy that we're dealing with.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53One thing that bothered me was - I knew we wouldn't find this out until
0:22:53 > 0:22:56we started digging, but there's not much concrete under that end wall.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Is that a problem or is that more or less what you were expecting?
0:22:59 > 0:23:01We expected that to be honest with you.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05The footing is, you can see the footing over in the far corner there.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07As far as you said, no problems so far.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- No problems so far, no. - Excellent, excellent. OK.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Back in Southwark, Alex is happy, building control are happy,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18but is Roland happy?
0:23:18 > 0:23:19Not likely.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Having received an e-mail, he's come to see his planning agent
0:23:22 > 0:23:25and he can't contain his frustration.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30I'm faced with either not converting this at all, in which case I've got
0:23:30 > 0:23:33a really nasty, little one-bed and I won't be able to move my son in.
0:23:33 > 0:23:39Or having to bang our heads every time I come up the stairs,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41but even if I went for that, building control won't allow it.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place really,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49so I have no choice but to contest this decision.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53The likelihood is that it's going to be refused, and then you have
0:23:53 > 0:23:56the chance of appeal, but that takes up to six months.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I don't think there's a real issue with the outlook.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03I really don't believe that the gardens outside
0:24:03 > 0:24:05or the public space is affected.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09I don't think it diminishes anybody's view, any amenity.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12I think it's a slightly irritating,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15sticking to the policy because that's the easiest thing to do.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18"We've got these rules, therefore you have to stick with them,"
0:24:18 > 0:24:20and I think there should be more flexibility
0:24:20 > 0:24:22and discretion than that.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Roland's plans are in serious jeopardy.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29He feels Alex's decision has left him with little option
0:24:29 > 0:24:34but to embark on a lengthy, costly and uncertain appeal process.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37The problem is that it will delay the project so much and all
0:24:37 > 0:24:40the time it's delaying it I'm paying a mortgage on a property
0:24:40 > 0:24:44I can't do anything with. I'd really like to avoid that if I can.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50I'd really like to avoid the refusal, and I'd like to avoid taking it to appeal.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56Frustration for Roland, but the O'Reilly's extension is nearing completion.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00The scaffolding has come down
0:25:00 > 0:25:03and Bill and Cally are about to get the space they dreamed of.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10When Carol came round to do the initial inspection, one of her
0:25:10 > 0:25:13key concerns was that this structure was going to fit in with
0:25:13 > 0:25:15the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I look at this now and I think this extension...
0:25:17 > 0:25:19It looks as if it's always been there.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24This was all outside space when we first moved in and now
0:25:24 > 0:25:27this is going to be my utility room,
0:25:27 > 0:25:31and this is going to be the wet room, the shower, the tiles
0:25:31 > 0:25:34and the flooring is all organised.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37So this is the third bedroom that was rather strange that you
0:25:37 > 0:25:41had to go out of the front door, along a path
0:25:41 > 0:25:43and then into this room through an external door.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48This is not a strange bedroom detached from the rest of the house,
0:25:48 > 0:25:49it's fully part of the house.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Any downsides?
0:25:51 > 0:25:54The mess has been terrific over the past 12 weeks now -
0:25:54 > 0:25:56we've been living in a building site.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58But we can actually see it all coming together.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01We can be living in this new space that we've created that makes it
0:26:01 > 0:26:05more of a family home so that when the girls do come down
0:26:05 > 0:26:09and stay they will both be in the same house.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13It's going to work, and we're really pleased with the way it's gone.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20With the extension almost finished, Carol has come down to take a look.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23She's interested to see how the new structure
0:26:23 > 0:26:26fits into this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Oh, brilliant. That's good.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33That looks really good.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Do you mind if I go down the garden and have a look...
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Come and have a look. - ..at the impact down the bottom?
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I remember you had a lovely, large garden down there.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- That'll be lovely. OK.- OK.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50It is quite big, but I don't think it's overly dominant.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52I'll tell you what, if people didn't know,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55they wouldn't know that that wasn't built at the same time, would they?
0:26:55 > 0:26:59I'm really pleased that I've been able to help them
0:26:59 > 0:27:03get what they wanted because the living conditions weren't right,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05it wasn't right to have a bedroom downstairs
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and you have to go round upstairs to come into the main dwelling.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Carol did seem very happy with the way the extension has gone.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13She's said she's tried to see the house from different places
0:27:13 > 0:27:17around the area and hasn't actually managed to spot it yet.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19I guess that's a good thing that it's not sticking out
0:27:19 > 0:27:21like a sore thumb from anywhere.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23And we've still got views, beautiful views from all around,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27so we haven't lost any of the views by putting an extension in.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- Yeah, I think we'll be here for some years.- I think so.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35Bill and Cally have planned it, built it.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36They've spent £60,000
0:27:36 > 0:27:39and added 70 square metres of living space.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42In this highly desirable area, the value of their house
0:27:42 > 0:27:45will quickly overtake the money they've laid out.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50And Roland has decided to compromise...
0:27:50 > 0:27:54ensuring he too will soon have space for a proper second bedroom.
0:27:54 > 0:28:00Plus, he could add 70 grand to his £238,000 purchase price -
0:28:00 > 0:28:02sounds like good financial sense.
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