0:00:03 > 0:00:07Across the country, behind closed doors, we British are building.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12We're building up, down and out to improve our homes.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15It's really going to mean a lot to get the planning permission through
0:00:15 > 0:00:16so we can actually go forward.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18But before we build, we need permission.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Permission from the planners.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24A bunch of people dedicated to protecting our public spaces
0:00:24 > 0:00:25and neighbourhoods.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28I've got to say that I've got major concerns.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31So if you've ever wanted a bigger kitchen, an extra bedroom
0:00:31 > 0:00:33or an en suite bathroom, stand by.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37It's time to Plan It, Build It.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Home is where the heart is,
0:00:42 > 0:00:45but finding the perfect place to put down roots can be
0:00:45 > 0:00:47an emotionally draining business.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49The hassle and expense of moving are huge
0:00:49 > 0:00:52so it's no surprise many of us stretch ourselves to buy
0:00:52 > 0:00:56somewhere we can live for longer than the UK 12-year average.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59But homes are rarely perfect when we buy them.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Getting them the way we want can involve renovations,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05some building work, often a pricey extension.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Planners are inundated with applications from people who
0:01:08 > 0:01:11have grand ideas for their homes and who are determined to
0:01:11 > 0:01:15create their perfect living space in their desired area.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20We do work really hard at trying to get people what they want,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24but it can't impact on nearby properties.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Today it's all about creating a dream home.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Can homeowners with a vision make alterations and improvements without
0:01:31 > 0:01:36being forced into unacceptable and often expensive compromises?
0:01:38 > 0:01:39The planners will meet
0:01:39 > 0:01:43a man who is desperate to fulfil a long-term ambition...
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It felt right. It ticked the boxes.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50It's actually attached to a Grade II-listed building.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54..and a family who have strong views about their perfect home.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Well, I've instructed my architect that I'm not
0:01:57 > 0:01:58comfortable at all with that.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01I think in its present state, it possibly isn't quite,
0:02:01 > 0:02:02quite acceptable.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05This show isn't just about the money,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09it's also about following a dream but by following their dreams,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12can our homeowners also add value to their properties?
0:02:12 > 0:02:15And will an improvement to their home be an improvement
0:02:15 > 0:02:16to their neighbourhood?
0:02:19 > 0:02:23The narrow streets and picturesque period houses of Old Hastings
0:02:23 > 0:02:24are increasingly popular.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28Old Hastings is a stone's throw from the sea, with a trendy art gallery,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31unique shops and quirky visitor attractions.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35People who visit fall in love with the area's bohemian atmosphere
0:02:35 > 0:02:39and many move here for sea air and a better quality of life.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Some of the wooden-clad properties date back to Medieval times,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47and with so much history, is it any wonder house prices are higher
0:02:47 > 0:02:49than the Hastings' average?
0:02:49 > 0:02:51A four or five-bed townhouse will set you back
0:02:51 > 0:02:54between £400,000 to £600,000,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57depending on the views and the state of the property.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03The council are understandably keen to preserve the historic
0:03:03 > 0:03:06character of Old Hastings and planner Carol Boydell
0:03:06 > 0:03:09is excited about the latest application.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13I've had an application from the Old Town, it's in Tackelway.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16It's not somewhere many holiday makers seem to find at all,
0:03:16 > 0:03:18they don't seem to venture up there.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22They've applied for planning permission to change the roof tiles,
0:03:22 > 0:03:27add a piece of cornice along the front that's gone missing over the
0:03:27 > 0:03:31years, render the rear, replacement windows and doors.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Peter Varley has moved around for most of his life,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39but he would dearly love to eventually settle in Old Hastings.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44He recently bought this two-bed terraced house for £250,000.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47It's a charming property with fabulous views,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51but it needs a complete overhaul to become his dream home.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53I was looking for a place on the front for ages
0:03:53 > 0:03:56and I often walk down this street thinking how nice it was
0:03:56 > 0:03:59without thinking a house here would be good and then this place
0:03:59 > 0:04:04came on the market, I went and saw it and it felt right.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07It ticked the boxes.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12It's actually attached to a grade II-listed building so I need to check
0:04:12 > 0:04:16the impact on the setting of the listed building and on the character
0:04:16 > 0:04:21and setting of the conservation area, make sure there's no impact.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24So it looks a bit of a mess, but it's not as bad as it looks.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26So let's take a look inside.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Peter plans to spend 120,000 doing up the house.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34He thinks it could be worth as much as 350,000 when finished.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37He will attempt to completely renovate the property and turn
0:04:37 > 0:04:41it into his perfect home, but because it's an old building in such
0:04:41 > 0:04:46an historic area, everything external has to be approved by planning.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48This has been and will be the kitchen.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53There's going to be a folding sliding door from there to there
0:04:53 > 0:04:54full height.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59OK, so here we are in the rear yard.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03The brickwork that you see is going to be repaired and then rendered.
0:05:03 > 0:05:09I can also have a pastel colour included in the render which is
0:05:09 > 0:05:12used a lot in the Old Town so I think that would look really nice.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- Any other issues?- There are old asbestos slates on this roof
0:05:16 > 0:05:19which I've had tested. Had to have them tested to find out
0:05:19 > 0:05:20the asbestos composition.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24When you change the roof covering, of course, that again effects the
0:05:24 > 0:05:27external appearance of the building so it's a planning permission issue.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Peter wants to restore the outside facade to its 19th century
0:05:33 > 0:05:37splendour and add new bedrooms, kitchen and a dining area.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Planners encourage people to return homes to their former glory,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45but they keep a close eye on exactly how it's done.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48It's good that people are actually reinstating...
0:05:48 > 0:05:51I know it seems crazy that you need planning permission to reinstate
0:05:51 > 0:05:57an original feature but regardless, it still needs planning permission.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Peter's plans for his perfect home will rest on what Carol sees
0:06:01 > 0:06:04when she makes her crucial site inspection.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11We British love our homes.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15In fact, last year we spent a massive £10.5 billion doing up
0:06:15 > 0:06:17and renovating our properties.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Many of us have an idea of just how our dream home would look
0:06:22 > 0:06:23if money was no object.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26But planners have a duty to stop anything that might harm
0:06:26 > 0:06:28the local environment.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31This can often lead to homeowner frustration, especially
0:06:31 > 0:06:34if they're required to compromise on their dream.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37People's homes are important
0:06:37 > 0:06:40because they have a lot of emotional interest there.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Many people have lived there for several years for instance
0:06:42 > 0:06:45and invested a lot of time and energy on their home,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47so of course it's very important to them.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52This is the Sheffield borough of Eccleshall,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55one of the most desirable places to live in the city.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58With large houses, quiet streets and plenty of green space,
0:06:58 > 0:07:03the area attracts middle-class professional families.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06There is the odd bargain, but large detached properties
0:07:06 > 0:07:11on the most gentrified streets are worth well over 500,000.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Sheffield Council are responsible for maintaining the look
0:07:14 > 0:07:18of Eccleshall and planner Simon Tucker has dealt with increasing numbers
0:07:18 > 0:07:23of applications from people with grand visions for their homes.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25This street, they are executive houses.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30So as times have changed, we get more applications for master suites
0:07:30 > 0:07:32and what have you where you get a dressing room,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34an en suite attached to the main bedroom.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39And those kind of things that are quite fashionable, really,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42for executive homes these days.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Greg and Nicola Thompson bought this detached family home
0:07:48 > 0:07:52in Eccleshall seven years ago for 370,000.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55It's a magnificent property, with four reception rooms,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58four bedrooms and a huge garden leading on to woodland.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01But the Thompson's desperately want planning permission to add
0:08:01 > 0:08:04an additional 40 square metres.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09We're hoping to extend in two bedrooms upstairs, one of them being
0:08:09 > 0:08:12an en suite and then in addition to that, hopefully we're going to
0:08:12 > 0:08:16replace the roof and that's going to give us a bigger living area
0:08:16 > 0:08:21in the loft with two bedrooms and I think we're going to have a...
0:08:21 > 0:08:26We're going to have quite a large room that we're going to turn into a cinema room.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32The Thompsons plan to spend 50,000 to 70,000 on their extension,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34adding dormer windows to the front and raising
0:08:34 > 0:08:39the height of the roof to give them two more bedrooms and a cinema room.
0:08:39 > 0:08:40Nice.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43But prepare to be amazed - they estimate the house could be
0:08:43 > 0:08:48worth a staggering £750,000 when they've finished. Wow.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Of course, they have no intention of selling up.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54They're just determined to create their perfect home.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- The other area we could have gone down was move, couldn't we?- Yeah.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00And we decided we're settled here, the kids...
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Well, Alex is at school literally 300 yards down the road.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Will starts there this year and the schooling's excellent in the area.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So, yeah, it was important for us, we made a decision to
0:09:10 > 0:09:14stay in the property and just try and build on that really.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19So the idea is we're literally just coming out three metres,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23maybe a little bit more, but we're coming out so everything's in line
0:09:23 > 0:09:27and it's just creating a little bit more space for us, really.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29They also want to do some roof alterations as well which will
0:09:29 > 0:09:32probably be the most prominent bit you're going to see from the street.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Essentially, what they're proposing to do is to increase the roof pitch
0:09:35 > 0:09:39slightly to get a higher roof
0:09:39 > 0:09:42and get quite sizable attic accommodation.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45The main things we'll be looking to are whether it
0:09:45 > 0:09:47fits in with the general street scene.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50There's also whether the dormers themselves are in character
0:09:50 > 0:09:52with the street.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55A lot of the properties on our street have already undertaken
0:09:55 > 0:09:58similar sort of extensions so all being well, we're hoping that it
0:09:58 > 0:10:01should be quite a straightforward process again, really.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Greg may be confident they'll get their plans approved,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07but planners work to strict guidelines,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11and Simon has plenty of things to consider, both front and back,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14before the en suite and cinema room become a reality.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Back in Old Hastings, Carol has arrived to perform her
0:10:25 > 0:10:27crucial site inspection.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Remember, Peter has plans to completely renovate his property,
0:10:32 > 0:10:36but needs planning permission for almost every alteration.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40You've started work on the renovation then?
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Yes, it's a bit dusty. - I'm used to it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Wow, what a lovely view.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Lovely.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Right, so these are the asbestos tiles that are to be replaced.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It's the replacement tiles that we would need a sample of just
0:11:05 > 0:11:07so we can see what's going to go up there.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09But I think I read that it's to match the adjacent property.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Yeah, which is composite.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Yeah, yeah.- So it looks like slate, but it's not.- OK. No, that's fine.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19We normally ask for samples just to double check that it's...OK.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- There's no rush, it would be added as a condition.- OK.- All right?
0:11:28 > 0:11:30So the other two are rendered already.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34You're going to replace this window and door with a larger opening.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Yes.- That'll let a lot more light in, won't it?- Yeah.- OK.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41And that's the listed building there, isn't it? OK.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42Thank you.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- You've got replacement windows and door?- Yes.- Lovely.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54And you're reinstating the cornice along the front, that's good.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Yes, it says on the application cement render,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00but I was wondering if I could do it in fibreglass.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Fibreglass, hmm.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05I don't know if I've come across that before, can I look into it?
0:12:05 > 0:12:06- Yeah, yeah.- Is that OK?
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Right, I'll make a note about that and I'll let you know.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12And now to the finer points.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- One thing, the paint on the front.- Yes.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- I think I put on the application white.- OK.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Can that be sort of off-white? - Off-white.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30What I'll do, I'll have a word with my conservation officer
0:12:30 > 0:12:32and just make sure there's no reason that she can see
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- why it can't be off-white. - OK.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39The Old Town has many pastel painted-buildings.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41They're a charming feature.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43But town planners regulate colours,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46and even care about the look of your front door.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51It might be that we'll be asking for the panels to be slightly...
0:12:51 > 0:12:54proportioned differently because normally, it would be a smaller,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57lower panel but I'll have a look at that.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00It's not something that would be a problem, we can just condition that.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- Right, thank you very much for that, showing me around.- Thank you.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07The consultation period closes in a couple of weeks
0:13:07 > 0:13:08so you'll hear from me soon.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- All right? Thank you, bye. - Thank you. Bye.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13That seemed positive but what does Carol think?
0:13:13 > 0:13:16The only issues are really to do with the door and possibly
0:13:16 > 0:13:21with the cornicing and it depends on the finish of the slate.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26If we ask for a sample and it's not acceptable, it could be refused
0:13:26 > 0:13:29but he seems like he wants to do a good job.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I'm sure he'll do what's best for the property.
0:13:32 > 0:13:38I'm actually starting to realise the vision I have for this place,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41that I'm going to get it as I want it. Fingers crossed.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Over in Sheffield, Simon has arrived on the Thompson's doorstep.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- Hello, is it Mr Thompson? - It is, yes.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Oh, hiya, Simon. - Hello, Simon, nice to meet you.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Greg and Nicola's grand plans for an extra 40 square metres of roof space
0:13:55 > 0:13:59with an en suite bathroom, extra bedrooms and a cinema room
0:13:59 > 0:14:03rely on what Simon sees during this vital site inspection.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08All I need to see is just see the outside so is it possible to just go outside to...?
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Yeah, of course it is.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Do you want us to leave you to your own devices and then come in or...?
0:14:17 > 0:14:20It's up to you, really. I mean, I don't need you here,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24if you want me to just take a quick look outside, so that'll be fine.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25OK, super.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Now he's alone, Simon needs to see if Greg and Nicola's roof
0:14:28 > 0:14:33extension will have an unacceptable impact on their neighbours.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34The impact probably isn't going to be much
0:14:34 > 0:14:37greater than the first floor windows that are there,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39regards to the neighbours on either side.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43It's obviously a very long garden that we've got here so...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Well, it shouldn't be that significant really.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49So it's looking good from this angle.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- OK, I've done all I need to do around the back...- OK.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56If we get the application approved, Simon, is it three years
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- from the approval date that we've got to start the build?- Exactly, yes.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01Right, OK.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03And how's the visit gone this morning?
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- Has it all been quite straightforward?- Well, yeah.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08The main things I've got to look at are, for the rear extension,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11it's the impacts on the neighbours on either side
0:15:11 > 0:15:15and for the front of it, it's mainly the impact of the roof extensions.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- And how that fits in with the general street scene and what have you.- Yep.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Thanks for your time, Simon.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Before Simon goes back to the office, he needs to double check
0:15:26 > 0:15:28the all-important front elevation.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I'm a bit concerned at the proposed scale of the roof extension,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36I'm a bit concerned that it might be out of proportion with the general
0:15:36 > 0:15:39street scene and also the proportions of the house as well.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42This is a common problem for planners.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45A large roof extension changes the proportions of the house,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47making it taller than it is wide.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Furthermore, where neighbouring houses have pitched roofs,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53a box shape can look out of place.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58At the present state, it possibly isn't quite acceptable
0:15:58 > 0:16:02so it's really looking at that and also looking at the impact
0:16:02 > 0:16:06of the dormers as well, which do accentuate the height of that a bit.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Simon might have concerns, but at least Greg's upbeat.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Well, I think, generally, it just went as expected,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16it was quite straightforward.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Whether we get something on paper or an objection from a neighbour,
0:16:19 > 0:16:24that's the only thing I really foresee delaying the process, really.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- But, yeah, I think just as expected. - Yeah.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28Well, we'll soon see, Greg.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Over in Old Hastings, where Peter is hoping to create his dream home,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39head planner Raymond Crawford is walking the job.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41He tries to spends a couple of days a month out
0:16:41 > 0:16:45and about in his patch, keeping an eye on what's going on.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49He always loves spending time in the Old Town.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52A really high proportion of the buildings in the Old Town are listed
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and that's actually what attracts a lot of people to move here.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59I think, quite naively, people think they can keep all the nice bits
0:16:59 > 0:17:04and make all sorts of changes to modernise them.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06With a listed building, it's not just the outside that's listed,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09it's the inside and there's a house on the East Hill
0:17:09 > 0:17:13that's got original William Morris wallpaper and so in there,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16the wallpaper is an important character.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19You can't even go down to B&Q and replace the wallpaper.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22And Raymond has seen plenty of planning mistakes in the past.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Behind me, you've got a pair of semi-detached houses which is,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27kind of, quite out of the ordinary
0:17:27 > 0:17:30and not really something we should expect to see in the Old Town.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33I think now, if we had an application for something like this,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36we'd have refused it. We'd have expected the building to come up
0:17:36 > 0:17:38to the road front just like the old properties.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43But, clearly, and over time, when it came in, people were less sensitive
0:17:43 > 0:17:47about the old character and it was all about new, modern.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Yeah, we want front gardens.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Will it fit in with the grain of the Old Town?
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Here's something Raymond's team can do something about.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59We've got a bit of an issue with the colour of this particular one,
0:17:59 > 0:18:01which we're pursuing.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04The others are all quite subtly painted.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07The interesting thing here though is the building just behind me
0:18:07 > 0:18:09was built in the 1970s.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12It's not pretending to be old at all,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14it's very much of its time, but I think it's really quite
0:18:14 > 0:18:18successful because the scale of it is in-keeping with the area.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19It's got the right kind of feel
0:18:19 > 0:18:23and grain of the Old Town whilst still not pretending to be old.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27With such a rich mish-mash of architectural history,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29it's no surprise people are flocking to live
0:18:29 > 0:18:34and extend in Old Hastings, but Raymond has a word of caution.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36In somewhere like the Old Town,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38in particular where the gardens are very small
0:18:38 > 0:18:41and the houses very close together, if you're thinking about extending,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44you're eating into that very little bit of amenity space you've got.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46So you do need to think very carefully about the compromises
0:18:46 > 0:18:50you're making and whether what you end up with is what you actually need.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Right, over to Sheffield
0:18:53 > 0:18:57and things aren't as straightforward as the Thompsons had hoped.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Simon has had time to think over their proposals
0:18:59 > 0:19:02and now has major reservations.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07What they're seeking at the moment is a roof extension.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09It is quite a tall extension, it would be taller
0:19:09 > 0:19:13than the two neighbours on either side.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16The other element that I'm probably going to query the most
0:19:16 > 0:19:18with my team leader is the issue to do with
0:19:18 > 0:19:20the two front dormer windows.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I'm not sure they really fit in with the style of house.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26With these difficult issues hanging over the Thompson's plans,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29their dream extension is in jeopardy.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Simon needs to refer the application to one of Sheffield's senior
0:19:32 > 0:19:34planners, Chris Heeley.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35The issue of I've got really
0:19:35 > 0:19:38is to do with the scale of the roof extension.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40I think the concern here is the ridge height here is going to
0:19:40 > 0:19:43be higher than the ridge height of the neighbours.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46I just think it would look a bit discordant
0:19:46 > 0:19:48in terms of the general street scene.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51I think the main issue I would like your advice on, Chris,
0:19:51 > 0:19:52is to do with the dormer windows.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56I'm unconvinced they fit in with the proportions of the house.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00As it stands at the moment, I'd be quite confident to recommend
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- that for refusal. - Yeah, I would agree with that.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Can they put them on the rear to achieve the same accommodation?
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Well, I certainly think it is feasible.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Yeah, I'm happy with that.- Yeah.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14This news is a big blow to the Thompsons.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16A restricted roof height and dormer windows on the rear
0:20:16 > 0:20:19will force them to scale back their plans,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23restricting the amount of space for the bedrooms and cinema room.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Greg is reporting the bad news back to Nicola.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28So I've had a call back from the architect this afternoon,
0:20:28 > 0:20:33he's had some reservations back from the council
0:20:33 > 0:20:35with regards to the plans.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Two key areas that they want to try and make some amendments on.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43One's the dormer windows on the front of the property.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46They're suggesting that they'd be more comfortable
0:20:46 > 0:20:47if we could place them on the rear.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51So, the architect's aware that the house next door has already got
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- dormer windows on the front? - Well, I've told him, yeah.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58And they're also talking about trying to enforce some
0:20:58 > 0:21:01kind of height restriction on the roof as well.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Restrictions on the height will cut down the internal space,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08and Greg is loathe to change the location of the dormer windows.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11I'd really like to try and keep the dormers on the front.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15I don't see a reason why we can't do that, I think it's going to
0:21:15 > 0:21:17add to the attractiveness of the house.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20I'm struggling a little bit to see some logic as to why
0:21:20 > 0:21:25they're not prepared to accept the dormer windows on the front.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28I'll be instructing my architect that I'm not comfortable
0:21:28 > 0:21:30at all with that this evening.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37In Hastings, Carol has had time to think about Peter's plans
0:21:37 > 0:21:39for his Old Town home.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42The 21-day neighbourhood consultation period has now
0:21:42 > 0:21:44passed so he's anxious to find out
0:21:44 > 0:21:49if he's got the planning permission he vitally needs.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53I'm hopeful because I think... I get the impression they want to support
0:21:53 > 0:21:57people bringing these old houses back to...
0:21:57 > 0:22:01as close to original condition externally as possible
0:22:01 > 0:22:03and that's what I'm trying to do.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Carol has written her report,
0:22:05 > 0:22:09but wants to run a couple of points by senior planner, Karen Phillips.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- So, he's putting a new roof on, is he?- Yes.- OK.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14So what roof tiles is he proposing?
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Slate of sort.- OK.- Yeah, yeah.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20This cornice was brought up.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24He mentioned a fibreglass moulding and whether that would be acceptable,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27but I'd said I'd need to discuss that back in the office
0:22:27 > 0:22:29because I haven't come across that before.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31So I think the best thing to do, maybe,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33is if I can just put it as a condition?
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Yes, details of that, yes. - Or a sample, yeah?- Yeah.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38The other thing he brought up was painting the front.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42He's asking for either an off-white or a cream
0:22:42 > 0:22:44and that's pretty much what's in the area.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45So nothing drastic?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48No, so I thought maybe just ask for a sample.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52Yeah. Yeah, it sounds like it's pretty subtle,
0:22:52 > 0:22:55he doesn't want bright pink or anything.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57It's now time for Peter to discover
0:22:57 > 0:23:01if he can have planning to build a home he always wanted.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:23:04 > 0:23:05CAROL: Hello.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09I just wondered if there's been any movements?
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- OK, yes, a decision has just been made actually...- OK.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16..and it has been granted.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18That's a yes for Peter!
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Carol felt that Peter's plans were complementary to the Old Town.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23I'm really pleased, yeah.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26So I'll have a few beers tonight.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Take two for the Thompsons.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35In Sheffield, Simon has received their new and updated plans.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40He sat down with Chris to work out if the new drawings are acceptable.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43What they've done, which is never ideal, essentially they've
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- just made the top of the roof a flat roof structure.- Right.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48And the other thing I'm concerned about
0:23:48 > 0:23:50is the dormer windows themselves.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52They don't really relate very well
0:23:52 > 0:23:55with the style of house, quite simply.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00It draws your eye to the fact that the side extension on that house
0:24:00 > 0:24:03doesn't really align that well and also doesn't really
0:24:03 > 0:24:07complement the large bay windows beneath very well either.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Mmm, this isn't sounding good.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12And I think my final issue with them is that they do draw your attention
0:24:12 > 0:24:16to the roof and probably do draw your attention to the flat roof bit.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21- It's a combination.- I think it does lead to an overly fussy roof.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23You've got two elements there that aren't necessarily
0:24:23 > 0:24:25part of the street scene.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27So your feeling is a refusal?
0:24:27 > 0:24:31I think as it currently stands, it's a justifiable refusal
0:24:31 > 0:24:34as it is against our design policies.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I've given them a deadline to get the amended plans
0:24:37 > 0:24:38which is the 8th of April,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40so if we don't get them by then,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43then I think it will be delegated a refusal.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Things might not be going well in Sheffield,
0:24:48 > 0:24:52but in Hastings, Peter has started construction on his dream home.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54It might have all taken longer than he hoped,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57but the project is now well under way.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59As you can see, the scaffolding's up.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04It's really good to finally start after such a long stage of planning.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09This is one of the two bedrooms.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11The big change is behind this tarpaulin
0:25:11 > 0:25:16which is they've taken the old roof covering off.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21So this bedroom at the back of the house is the one
0:25:21 > 0:25:24that I'm probably going to have as my room.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25I'm going to have a bed here
0:25:25 > 0:25:28and I do realise that I've got line of sight
0:25:28 > 0:25:32for when I'm sitting up in the bed in the morning, drinking my coffee.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I can see the sea and the pier through the window
0:25:35 > 0:25:38so that's why I've decided to have this room.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I knew in my mind that the planning might be a challenge,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43but it's been more of a challenge than I expected.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I hadn't anticipated quite so much attention to detail.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Now, we've started the execution of it,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50it seems to be going really smoothly.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56It's really exciting seeing it all come together.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00I just can't wait cos I know it's going to be really nice inside.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Back in Sheffield, in an effort to salvage their dream home,
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Greg and Nicola have decided to compromise.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Chris and Simon have received their new plans.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17From a design point of view,
0:26:17 > 0:26:21the extension isn't going to look out of place in the street scene.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24The Thompsons architect has finally come up with a way of
0:26:24 > 0:26:26lowering the height of the roof
0:26:26 > 0:26:31and replacing the dormers with sky lights without losing space.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33But are Greg and Nicola happy
0:26:33 > 0:26:36they'll still get the home they always wanted?
0:26:36 > 0:26:40Although we're disappointed that they didn't get approved, I think,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43in hindsight, we can see the council's perspective
0:26:43 > 0:26:44and point of view.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48From our perspective, we've still got a nice design
0:26:48 > 0:26:51that's going to give us what we need.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54There are probably some design elements we were...
0:26:54 > 0:26:59Mainly, the flat roof element that we are probably less keen on.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Although we disagreed with the original decision,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04I think, in hindsight, they probably made the right choice
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- and we're happy with that decision. - Yes, we are.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11It was important to get the approval, wasn't it,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15because this is our dream home, we don't intend on moving from here.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18We just want to create a bigger family house, don't we?
0:27:18 > 0:27:23And we just know that moving forward, we can do the extension
0:27:23 > 0:27:25and make more room for us all upstairs.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- It seems to have worked out perfectly, hasn't it.- Yeah, it has.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34The Thompsons have planned it and will soon build it.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38They will get their extra bedrooms AND the cinema room.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Plus, it's estimated they will add around 150,000
0:27:42 > 0:27:43to the price of their home.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Peter will also get the house he always wanted.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51The build and decoration should be completed within months
0:27:51 > 0:27:56and he believes the house will be worth an extra 100,000 when finished.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Two dream homes with very impressive price tickets.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd