0:00:02 > 0:00:05Planning battles are raging across Britain.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- I love the countryside. - So do I, mate, so leave it alone.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10I don't have time for NIMBYs.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12No to the student village!
0:00:12 > 0:00:14In a drive to boost the economy,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17the government has relaxed the planning laws.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Here we are with a massive planning application.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20It is a big project.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23You're talking about 270 million of economic benefit.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27I mean, we like to see enterprise, but not on our doorstep.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29So developers are cashing in.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Of course I'm here to make a buck.
0:00:31 > 0:00:32Guilty as charged.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Objectors are going to war.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37It's not morally right, it's not socially right.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Disgusting.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45And I'm not having that they were frightened of a bunch of pensioners.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Deciding who wins are Britain's planners.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52I can't sit on the fence. It's not a fence, it's railings, basically.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Tonight, a father makes the ultimate sacrifice to stop a development.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07The farmers don't want it, the neighbours don't want it.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11James would lay down in front of the first bulldozer that came along.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Yeah.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15A new build spoils the view for a Cotswold resident.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Is this serious? It's just like a Colditz watchtower
0:01:19 > 0:01:21that I've got to go to and stop at and show a pass to.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24And a planning consultant who has an unusual approach
0:01:24 > 0:01:26to winning over the planners.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30We can either get on or...or do it the hard way, I suppose.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44Across the UK, there are 60,000 acres of derelict industrial land
0:01:44 > 0:01:47that could accommodate 100,000 new houses.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51But building on green fields is cheaper,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54which makes our countryside appealing not just to the eye,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56but also to the pocket of the developers.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03Just having a tea.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05Right, who wants the mileage?
0:02:05 > 0:02:09In Cheshire, planners Jill Stephens and Nial Casselden
0:02:09 > 0:02:12are driving to the site of a proposed major housing scheme
0:02:12 > 0:02:14on the edge of Winsford.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Winsford was sort of a fairly small mid-Cheshire town.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22But in the mid 20th century,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26they massively expanded it.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29It's kind of...it does have a bit of a feel of a new town to it
0:02:29 > 0:02:34with lots of roundabouts and dual carriageways in random places.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37But it's...uh!
0:02:37 > 0:02:41This proposed scheme will develop the last remaining green field
0:02:41 > 0:02:43within the town boundary.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49Well, this is a very pleasant country view, isn't it?
0:02:49 > 0:02:51With some four-legged animal.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Are they cows over there? Horses?
0:02:54 > 0:02:57The site that we're talking about is here,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59so we've got these three fields
0:02:59 > 0:03:04with around 180 houses set around this open space in the middle.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08The owner of the field moved away and decided, rather than
0:03:08 > 0:03:11renting to farmers, they would offer it up to developers.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16The timing is right, as the Council has a target of 3,500 new houses
0:03:16 > 0:03:19to be built in the next four years.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21My trousers are probably falling down.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28The developers stand to make a profit of around £6 million
0:03:28 > 0:03:31from this scheme, but deciding whether the project should be
0:03:31 > 0:03:35recommended for approval will be down to the planners.
0:03:35 > 0:03:36I just stung myself on the nettles.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38That's the trouble with the countryside,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42it's full of things that want to sting you and bite you.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48This is actually a fence post knocker.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51You get a planner, you stand them up,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55you put that on their head and you go, "Bang, bang, bang!"
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Next to the field lives entrepreneur Robin Wood
0:03:58 > 0:04:00and his farm labourer son James.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04You see they look very calm and happy, happy cows, right.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06We haven't told them yet what's going to happen
0:04:06 > 0:04:10or what they're trying to do, so just keep your voice down, OK?
0:04:11 > 0:04:14That's Winsford over there and it has crept,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17we've always known that the creeping would continue
0:04:17 > 0:04:19and that the town would get nearer.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22But the farmers don't want it,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25the neighbours don't want it.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28James is saying that he would lay down in front of the first
0:04:28 > 0:04:29bulldozer that came along.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32This is rolling countryside.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34We're running out of it.
0:04:35 > 0:04:36Well done, ladies and gentlemen.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Give them a round of applause, please.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41APPLAUSE
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Robin is gathering support from Winsford's rural neighbours
0:04:45 > 0:04:46in the village of Darnhall.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49MUSIC PLAYS
0:04:49 > 0:04:54They aren't too keen on Winsford expanding into the countryside.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- We don't want no buggers spoiling it. - Exactly right, exactly right, yeah.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03The problem is we've got greedy, opportunistic developers,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06so what we've got to do is find legal ways of stopping them.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08So touch wood!
0:05:08 > 0:05:09Poor old rat!
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Planner Jill will be making a recommendation
0:05:15 > 0:05:18on this scheme in 16 weeks.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20You can understand why someone wouldn't want a field
0:05:20 > 0:05:22behind their house being built on.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25But there's many housing sites that were once fields, you know,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29it's not my job to essentially protect someone's view.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32That's mine!
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Every new development in the UK attracts an average
0:05:43 > 0:05:46of 1.3 objections from members of the public.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51The most common reasons for objecting are loss of privacy
0:05:51 > 0:05:53and loss of visual amenity
0:05:53 > 0:05:57and it's down to the planners to investigate any complaint.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Sarah and Adam McKenzie-Wylie were searching for the perfect place
0:06:07 > 0:06:10to live five years ago when they stumbled across Uley,
0:06:10 > 0:06:15a historical Cotswold village boasting numerous listed buildings,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18amongst them, this 1950s petrol station.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21We were looking for a plot
0:06:21 > 0:06:26and this was the closest to heaven we could find.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30After finding their plot, art gallery owner Sarah
0:06:30 > 0:06:35and marketing director Adam decided to move home, literally.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38They took down their 18th-century manor house
0:06:38 > 0:06:40in Wiltshire brick by brick,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43packed it and transported it across the Cotswolds
0:06:43 > 0:06:45to this corner of Gloucestershire.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47The builders took it down.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50They palleted it up, we stored it for what, a year, a year and a half
0:06:50 > 0:06:52and resurrected it here.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55It sounds pretty mad, but that's what we did.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58But another new building recently appeared
0:06:58 > 0:07:01on the other side of the valley, which stands to ruin the very view
0:07:01 > 0:07:04they moved their whole house to enjoy.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06A tree house.
0:07:06 > 0:07:07It's just hideous.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10When you drive into that and you see that, it's just like a kind of,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13a Colditz watchtower that I've got to go to and stop at
0:07:13 > 0:07:15and show a pass to.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17It's just totally incongruous.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20But Sarah and Adam don't just think the tree house
0:07:20 > 0:07:22looks like a watchtower.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26This is where we sunbathe, this is where the kids play on the lawn
0:07:26 > 0:07:30and...it does make me feel a bit uncomfortable.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34I mean, you really wouldn't want us to know he had binoculars in there.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40We're nearly there. In a few weeks, we should have it all done.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41We've even got a pair of binoculars here.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Yes, they work very well, look at that!
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Just in case you're getting a little bit dry in the afternoon heat,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49you can pour yourself a little...snifter maybe.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Dog kennel owner Terry Meredith
0:07:51 > 0:07:54built the tree house in his back garden
0:07:54 > 0:07:56to fulfil a childhood dream.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58And with his two grown-up sons
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and his five grandchildren visiting him occasionally,
0:08:01 > 0:08:05he also wants to use it as a family room.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Everyone takes their turn in doing a little bit of cooking.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11We can all cook, it's very interactive.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Of course, once we've prepared our meal and put our meal there,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16you lift it across on the laptray.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18There we are.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Terry obtained planning permission for his tree house
0:08:26 > 0:08:28before he started building.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Oh, for goodness' sake.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34But with the neighbours complaining about being overlooked,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Head Planner Phil Skill is on his way to investigate.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41There we go. And there is the wonderful shed ahead!
0:08:44 > 0:08:48To me, it's... No, it's not something I would want.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Not personally.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Now, a Jacuzzi in a tree...
0:08:54 > 0:08:56I could do, I could live with that.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Hi!
0:08:59 > 0:09:01They went that way.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07It will be down to Phil to decide who is right.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11The McKenzie-Wylies have complained that Terry's tree house
0:09:11 > 0:09:13overlooks their garden.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15This Council is listening to these people.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Shame on your officer.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19OK, thank you.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22If he thinks they're right, he can enforce demolition.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Can I rely upon your support?
0:09:26 > 0:09:27For the moment, yeah.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- I've still got to think.- OK.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Why don't you just put your shoulders back, Mr Skill,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36I'll give you a handshake and I'll support you. Go on, please.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40I'm happy to help you as best I can with everything I can.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Thank you very much.- Yeah. - Thank you very much.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48You cannot be serious.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51'It does hurt, it hurts emotionally'
0:09:51 > 0:09:57to be stuck between these feuding individuals.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Um... Cos I know there's no way that I can satisfy both sides.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04He's got a line of sight where he didn't have one before.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05This is the point.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Phil Skill has said
0:10:07 > 0:10:12that he's going to make his judgment next week.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15I do feel we have a right to a bit of privacy.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Here, we've got the wonderful views, the best views possibly in England.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22It is upsetting, it is annoying when people come along
0:10:22 > 0:10:24and try to take things away from you,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27but they'll never succeed because I deserve what I've got.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29No-one is going to take it away.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32I've had enough of it. Sorry.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44In the hope of obtaining planning permission, thousands of applicants
0:10:44 > 0:10:48across the UK are employing the services of the professionals.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53This is another one of my designs, which Steve just moved into,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56the client. I think another successful project.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00In Broxbourne, Hertfordshire,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04architect Dom Padalino not only designs bespoke homes,
0:11:04 > 0:11:08he also runs a successful planning consultancy business.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11He's not here at the moment, he's in a meeting.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Can I take a message at all?
0:11:14 > 0:11:17The number of planning consultants has grown tenfold
0:11:17 > 0:11:19in the last 15 years.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Using their in-depth knowledge of planning laws,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25they can work on the most diverse applications -
0:11:25 > 0:11:27from house extensions
0:11:27 > 0:11:29to multimillion-pound residential developments.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31All with one goal in mind -
0:11:31 > 0:11:34securing planning permission for their clients.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Our success rate is generally 100%
0:11:37 > 0:11:39if you base it on the fact that you
0:11:39 > 0:11:42go back until you get your approval.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Our reputation is based on success.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48You're only as good as your last job.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51I just wanted to give you a call. We went to committee last night
0:11:51 > 0:11:54and that was granted last night. OK?
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Excellent.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59What's the secret to success?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01I don't think I can tell you that.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05I'd be giving away my 28 years of experience here.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07What do you reckon?
0:12:07 > 0:12:08His charm, obviously.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12I'm his wife, I can't possibly say.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14His head will swell.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19With business booming,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Dom is looking to expand his premises soon, but right now,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26he's concentrating on a client who is also looking for more space.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Lavas' special is lamb ribs.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Chicken shish, lamb shish and cocktails coming all together.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35What's your favourite one?
0:12:35 > 0:12:37I'm a vegetarian.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40No, I'm just joking.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45This former pub was converted into a Turkish restaurant four years ago.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48The owner spent £60,000 on the renovation,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50including an outside dining area.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56But he didn't take into account the miserable British weather.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58We have these lovely gardens here.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Everybody comes here, "Oh, lovely gardens, lovely gardens."
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Lovely is not enough,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06we have to make the money.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- England's weather is different, it's horrible.- It's not like...?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13If this place was Turkey, I'd make a lot of money.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Now, he's decided to put in a planning application
0:13:18 > 0:13:22to turn his outdoor space into a permanent inside dining area
0:13:22 > 0:13:24that can cater for big parties
0:13:24 > 0:13:27and he plans to do it all in time for Christmas.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32With just four months to go, he's hired Dom's services.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37It's not the nicest of settings to sit down and have something to eat.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40You've got some horrible metal gates.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44You've got a prefab fence over there.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47You've got the shabby sort of canopy.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49It probably cost quite a bit of money to do,
0:13:49 > 0:13:50but it's just not pretty, is it?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53I mean, it's a bit hard to find words really for this.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56I'm not sure what he was thinking at the time.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58The fountain might have to go.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03It might be a health and safety hazard, I would have thought.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Well, that's what I'm going to tell the client. It's got to go.
0:14:10 > 0:14:16- Do you want to keep it in the extension?- Yeah.- Yeah? No.- No.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18And if you've got children there and they fall in, it's dangerous.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22You've got to be careful. Very dangerous, yeah.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Dom offers an all-inclusive service to his clients,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31from design to planning consent.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33I've just done some interiors,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36which you asked for, just to show you what at the moment,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38what this space could look like.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Yeah? With the roof lights... There's plenty of light.- Lovely.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44The Council, have they seen this one?
0:14:44 > 0:14:48They haven't seen this drawing and to be fair,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51they don't really get excited about these types of drawing,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54because they're too busy worrying
0:14:54 > 0:14:57about...where the refuse goes, you know.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58ORHAN CHUCKLES
0:14:58 > 0:15:02With the new enclosed extension providing space for ten extra tables,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04the restaurant could double their earnings
0:15:04 > 0:15:06in the busy Christmas season.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10But the power to recommend approval or refusal for this application
0:15:10 > 0:15:14is in the hands of 28-year-old planner Vicky Carter.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17I listen to Radio 1 all the time.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22Quite a few planners in our office listen more to Radio 4.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24It's a bit intense, personally.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Having received the restaurant's planning application,
0:15:28 > 0:15:29she's come for a site visit.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35They want a larger enclosed extension,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38which basically takes up the whole of this area.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40And then, coming out just a little bit
0:15:40 > 0:15:43so that they leave a smoking area,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45which they haven't got at the moment.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Vicky now has three weeks to decide
0:15:48 > 0:15:51whether she wants to approve or refuse this application.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53It's nice, I might take a photo.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00I've probably seen ten to 15 planning officers come and go
0:16:00 > 0:16:03and I do remind them that I'll be here for years to come,
0:16:03 > 0:16:08so we can either get on or...or do it the hard way, I suppose.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19In Winsford, Cheshire, the time has come for another planner
0:16:19 > 0:16:22to reveal her recommendation on a proposal
0:16:22 > 0:16:26to build 184 new houses on this green field.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30The conclusion on this one is that,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32you know, on the balance of everything,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35it should be recommended for approval.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39This is a logical extension of Winsford, essentially.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Good morning.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45It's bad news for the objectors, headed by entrepreneur Robin Wood.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47You see the horses there?
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Those horses there will be in the middle
0:16:50 > 0:16:52of a concrete jungle.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54There are times when I want to weep,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56most of the time, I'm just angry.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- Hi!- Good morning, sir! - How are you doing?
0:16:58 > 0:17:00But there's still hope for these campaigners.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Due to the scale of this project,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04it will be down to the nine elected members
0:17:04 > 0:17:06of the Strategic Planning Committee
0:17:06 > 0:17:08to decide if the scheme should be built.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10THEY CHUCKLE
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Where we are now on this site is just this corner here.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Today's committee members, including a rock salt producer,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23a quality manager in an arms company
0:17:23 > 0:17:25and a primary school teacher,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28have come to assess the site for themselves.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Could you not just go and check?- No.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- The quality of the report.- No.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36It's a field.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- And it's got bulls in it.- Yeah.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43I'm struggling to keep us all together today.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47On the day of the planning committee,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50it will be down to these members to decide on the fate of these fields.
0:17:50 > 0:17:51Oh, we've lost some.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I'm looking at the Friesian cows
0:17:55 > 0:17:59and asked where the cows are going to go. You know, are they mobile cows?
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Chief protester Robin Wood thinks he's found an argument
0:18:07 > 0:18:11which will convince the councillors to refuse this application.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Rambo, don't eat the cow muck, please. Rambo!
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- He's eating cow- BLEEP! - Yeah, very tasty.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21He's learned that Winsford Council is about to sign off
0:18:21 > 0:18:23its local neighbourhood plan,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26which identifies areas within the borough
0:18:26 > 0:18:27for new housing developments.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30And it doesn't include these fields.
0:18:30 > 0:18:36The Council have identified sites for 3,500 houses.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38And there is enough housing...
0:18:38 > 0:18:41There are enough brownfield sites locally
0:18:41 > 0:18:45to provide all of the housing needs that Winsford needs
0:18:45 > 0:18:49without impacting on open countryside like this.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51This is proper countryside.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55So...do you want to stop the dog rolling in the cow muck?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57That's what we do in the country.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59The dogs, you understand, not the people.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03At the Council offices, planner Jill's recommendation
0:19:03 > 0:19:07to approve has the backing of head planner Fiona Edwards.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Although it's a green field site,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11it's adjacent to the settlement boundary
0:19:11 > 0:19:13and it's sustainable.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16So that's why we're recommending approval.
0:19:16 > 0:19:17When they meet tomorrow,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20these planning committee members will have the power
0:19:20 > 0:19:24to go against the planners' advice and refuse planning permission.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28But gym-fanatic Fiona would rather they didn't.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32I've been called a bully when I'm in planning committee
0:19:32 > 0:19:35trying to tell the members what I think they should be doing.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37But it's, it's my job.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I'm a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. That's what I have to do.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42That's what my code of conduct says I have to do.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46I have to stand my ground. I come to blows with the councillors quite often,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48but nobody goes away with a black eye.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49Not often, anyway.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51Hi, come on up!
0:19:51 > 0:19:56The night before the meeting, the objectors also get in a few rounds.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01I want to be a well-oiled machine by the time I actually get up to speak
0:20:01 > 0:20:03as opposed to being well oiled, so...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Cheers, good health, here's to tomorrow.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12News of Fiona's involvement has shaken the objectors' faith.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16I mean, as far as the planning officers are concerned,
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- it would be Fiona.- Yeah.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21If the committee agree with you, and it shouldn't go ahead,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24that's not the end of the story.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28They have got to have some very sound reasons for refusing it.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- So, as a Christian, I would suggest you pray.- Yes.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33And I seriously suggest you pray.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Keep that elbow up.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Good.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55There are more than 20,000 town planners in the UK today.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00About 2,000 more are training to be the planners of the future
0:21:00 > 0:21:02in council offices across the land.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09In Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, 55-year-old Colin Free decided
0:21:09 > 0:21:13to retrain as a planner, after his printing business closed down.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17There's so much paperwork here.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Six years later he's still learning the ropes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- Badger Brock. Is it, Brock, or Bob?- Bob.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Bob The Badger.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28We're badger mad in Broxbourne.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31Just mad.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33HE CHUCKLES
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Today trainee planner Colin is about to meet an applicant
0:21:38 > 0:21:42who is seeking advice before submitting a planning application.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47The car, it sounds like a bag of nuts but a trainee's wages don't match
0:21:47 > 0:21:50those of a principal officer's, that's for sure.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55You are the owner of the house?
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Sicilian born Calogero Ricotta wants to extend his semidetached house
0:21:59 > 0:22:03and is working with architectural technician, Carlo Bongiorno.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07So what we're looking at is a single-storey rear extension
0:22:07 > 0:22:13there and two storeys at the side of the main house, yeah? Okey-doke.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16But as Colin goes through the plans for the extension,
0:22:16 > 0:22:20he comes across a controversial design feature.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Lead on, I don't want to end up in the bathroom by mistake.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30The proposed bedroom window would cause overlooking in the neighbour's garden.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39If necessary, we would ask for it to be obscure glazed.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- We would prefer it not being obscured.- Yeah, yeah.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44For obvious reasons, it's a bedroom.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- But you're happy to go with that? - Yeah.- OK, OK.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- We'll be fair with this.- I hope so, because it's nothing untoward.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55No, no, I think we've reached a position
0:22:55 > 0:22:58of mutual agreement on this now.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00OK, well, thanks very much.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- We will speak to you soon, yeah?- Thanks a lot.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Carlo has taken Colin's advice and decided to
0:23:09 > 0:23:12submit his application with an obscured bedroom window.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16We've had some e-mails backwards and forwards
0:23:16 > 0:23:18with the planning department.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23We've come to a resolution which is something that will be approved.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28It was recommended by the office.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29This should pass.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41But as soon as the application goes in,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Colin unearths a rather worrying document.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46There it is.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51This is the refusal and appeal decision from 2010.
0:23:51 > 0:23:57The previous owner of the house made a similar application for an extension
0:23:57 > 0:23:59and Colin's solution to overlooking
0:23:59 > 0:24:02has already been rejected by a planning inspector.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07"The adjoining residence would still be aware of the presence
0:24:07 > 0:24:10"of persons in the first-floor bedroom and would endure the uncomfortable
0:24:10 > 0:24:12"and disconcerting perception of being overlooked
0:24:12 > 0:24:14"in such close proximity."
0:24:14 > 0:24:18What he's saying is even though the window may be obscured glazed,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22people would still be aware, particularly at night, obviously,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25of movement and the presence behind that obscured glazing.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31As he prepares to make his recommendation,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Colin has to take guidance from previous rulings,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37especially when they were made by more experienced planners.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40In this case, he's left with no choice
0:24:40 > 0:24:44but to reject the application that he, himself, helped to prepare.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50We did have fairly extensive pre-application talks but,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53unfortunately, I'm still learning on the job.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Colin will have the unenviable task
0:24:56 > 0:24:58of breaking the news to the applicants.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Also in Broxbourne,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09a planning application to double the size of a Turkish restaurant
0:25:09 > 0:25:12in the middle of a residential area
0:25:12 > 0:25:14is in the hands of planning consultant, Dom Padalino.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20I am personally responsible, probably for over 200 planning applications
0:25:20 > 0:25:23that have been approved in the last few years.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25When we submit an application,
0:25:25 > 0:25:29generally, we know that it's going to be approved.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32We get on well with all the planners at Broxbourne
0:25:32 > 0:25:35and I regard them as colleagues, almost.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37We're on the phone nearly every day,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39the same as I am with my staff in the office.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44I'm just going to measure out the size of the smoking shelter.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50The planner he will work with this time is 28-year-old, Vicky Carter.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53They're going to be increasing the capacity of this restaurant
0:25:53 > 0:25:55by another 60 or 70 people
0:25:55 > 0:25:59and you've only got a smoking area for four or five people.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It's just not suitable.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04As it stands I will actually refuse it based on what
0:26:04 > 0:26:06they've actually given to us at the moment.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07CAR ALARM STARTS
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Oh, great.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12ALARM STOPS
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Sorry. It hasn't done that for a while.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18It's a set back for Dom but nothing he hasn't dealt with before.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23His client wants to maximise the seating space,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26while the planners want to expand the smoking area.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30He's come up with a plan that he thinks will please both.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33This area here is 7.5 square metres.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35We've now increased it, we have now increased it
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- to double to 14 square metres.- No.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Double is too much. I don't know why they're asking...
0:26:41 > 0:26:42This is too much.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Maybe what we can do is agree this and then we can change it afterwards.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49If they agree all the extension and then we can move that wall
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- slightly over and say can we make a minor adjustment.- Yeah.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It's the planning system,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57it's the planning game.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00It's how you get what you want
0:27:00 > 0:27:05and then go back to the slight changes
0:27:05 > 0:27:07on what we originally wanted.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- Yeah?- OK. - It's just playing the system.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Everyone's a winner.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Dom's strategy is not uncommon among planning consultants.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21He wants the planners to give approval for the overall
0:27:21 > 0:27:25scheme before debating minor details.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30If we just make it slightly bigger then maybe we can try and push it.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Yeah? It's just a way we deal with the council.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- We give them what they want and then we take it back.- Exactly!- Yeah.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Time for Dom to put his plan into action.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- Hi, Vicky, how are you? - I'm all right.- Are you OK? - Yeah, fine, thank you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50The law doesn't require restaurants to have a smoking area at all
0:27:50 > 0:27:53but Dom's client wants to provide one for his customers.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Yeah, we quite like the fact that you're taking smokers
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- off the high street.- Mmm.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01And, you know, they're not all standing outside his nice
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- restaurant, smoking.- Yeah.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07We've also increased that from seven to 14 square metres
0:28:07 > 0:28:12and that's how that item is dealt with, really.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- OK.- If you need that wall pulled further back,
0:28:15 > 0:28:17let us know and we'll tick the box.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Smoking areas are so difficult.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- We don't want to be too prescriptive and say it must be like this.- Mmm.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- Erm...- But we've also got to be minded, obviously,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28it being an existing business and he's trying to sustain it,
0:28:28 > 0:28:32we've got to be careful that he doesn't close the doors and we've got another empty unit.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- OK, then.- Yeah? - Thank you very much for that,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37I appreciate you coming in and explaining that.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Yeah, you let me know and it'll be early next week
0:28:40 > 0:28:42when we can put this to bed.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46Having submitted new drawings,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49all Dom has to do is wait for their approval.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54It's genius, isn't it?
0:28:58 > 0:29:01But there's tension on the Turkish restaurant's border.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04The plans are causing civilian unrest.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Let's go and see what they're trying to get through this time.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Retired insurance executive, George Shiers
0:29:13 > 0:29:16has lived in Cheshunt for 40 years.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18What do you love about Cheshunt?
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Very little.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25All plans are available for residents to view at the local council's office.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27George is against the expansion of the restaurant.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28Hello.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31And has been monitoring their planning applications.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- I'll put a chair up and you can sit down.- I'll put my brolly there.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35If you can remind me of it
0:29:35 > 0:29:39because that's how I came by it in the first place!
0:29:40 > 0:29:44The new application has fired up this serial objector.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48The only real change is the smoking area
0:29:48 > 0:29:51from 6.8 square metres to 13.4 square metres.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53They're almost doubling it.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57So if they're going to get double the amount of smokers in there,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00the pollution is going to be twice as much.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04I presume that, as the only significant change
0:30:04 > 0:30:10is to comply with the requirements that the smoking area be increased,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13it sounds to me like it's a done deal.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15We shall see.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Pen to paper time.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- Thank you very much for your help. - You're welcome.- Thank you. Bye-bye.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Bye-bye.- Oh! You didn't remind me about my umbrella.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26HE CHUCKLES
0:30:26 > 0:30:27Ooh!
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Ah, dear.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Just four miles up the road,
0:30:42 > 0:30:46there are plans to build a rear extension to this suburban house.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51Planning assistant Colin Free has advised the use of obscured glazing
0:30:51 > 0:30:54to the proposed bedroom window to prevent overlooking,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57before realising that a more experienced planner
0:30:57 > 0:31:00rejected a similar solution three years before.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03The inspector said there will be a fundamental fault
0:31:03 > 0:31:05in your relationship between
0:31:05 > 0:31:08the proposed house to nearby existing houses...
0:31:08 > 0:31:10would not be satisfactorily resolved in this way,
0:31:10 > 0:31:14by which he's referring to the proposal to fit obscured glazing.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Unaware of the inspector's previous ruling,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21the owners decided to follow Colin's advice
0:31:21 > 0:31:23and submitted their planning application.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25They just can't have that window.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Not by council standards.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31And that really is the crux of the matter,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35and it will be the deciding factor, I feel, in this application.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39I was taken aback a little bit by that
0:31:39 > 0:31:42because, obviously, I wasn't the case officer.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44I wasn't aware of it beforehand.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50The time has now come for Colin to tell
0:31:50 > 0:31:53applicants Mr Bongiorno and Mr Ricotta
0:31:53 > 0:31:57that he had to turn down the application he helped them to draft.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03This refusal will cost them their £172 application fee,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06and they'll have to choose between appealing against the decision
0:32:06 > 0:32:08or reapplying.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11I got refused again.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13I was actually expecting it to be approved,
0:32:13 > 0:32:18- as per the recommendation that you were giving.- That's right.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22I thought we'd thrashed out an acceptable design
0:32:22 > 0:32:26but an inspector has already said
0:32:26 > 0:32:30that this first-floor window in this bedroom here
0:32:30 > 0:32:34would cause an invasion of privacy at these houses.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37But we indicated it would be obscured glazing.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40But if you read the 2010 inspector's report,
0:32:40 > 0:32:44he actually says "even with obscured glazing".
0:32:44 > 0:32:48But during our pre-application and advice and all the correspondence
0:32:48 > 0:32:51that went backwards and forwards, that wasn't pointed out.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54I hoped that just by obscuring it, that would be sufficient.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56It wasn't, I'm afraid.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00In this case, probably my guidance was a little bit...
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Perhaps I should have been stronger with you,
0:33:02 > 0:33:06but that's why I'm still learning the game.
0:33:10 > 0:33:11OK.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14I can't turn the clock back. I can't change that decision.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19All I can do is help and guide you in your way forward.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- We're not entirely happy. - No, no...
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- Not at all.- No-one's ever happy.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- OK, then.- OK.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- OK. Thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Have you locked us out?
0:33:39 > 0:33:41COLIN LAUGHS
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Locked us in, rather.- Do you think I'd lock myself in with
0:33:44 > 0:33:47two people I've just refused an application for?
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Over the years, I've built up quite a good relationship with Carlo
0:33:54 > 0:33:57and that's the closest I've seen him to getting angry.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59I can understand that.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00If there was something trivial,
0:34:00 > 0:34:04it would easily have been dealt with with a small amendment to the plan
0:34:04 > 0:34:07and it could have just gone ahead. Now we've got to appeal
0:34:07 > 0:34:09and re-apply, you know?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Complete waste of time.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14It's all part of the learning process.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17I came up against issues here that
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I wouldn't necessarily have dealt with previously.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22It's a matter of gaining experience.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24That's all got filed away now
0:34:24 > 0:34:27and next time I get an application that's similar,
0:34:27 > 0:34:32I'll be able to weigh the issues up in a more objective way.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Colin may have struggled with this application
0:34:38 > 0:34:41but he has plenty of other reasons to celebrate.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42He has reached the end
0:34:42 > 0:34:45of his six-year part-time course in town planning
0:34:45 > 0:34:47and is finally graduating.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51I've never even been to a graduation before.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53And I never expected to be going to my own one.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Six years.
0:34:55 > 0:34:56Six years.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Colin completed his university course
0:34:59 > 0:35:01while working as a trainee planner.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Today, he brought his wife Gillian
0:35:03 > 0:35:07and his children Kirsty and Elliott to the graduation ceremony.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10I'm... I'm going to cry.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I'm really proud.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14It's been hard work.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18He's had to juggle work, a new career,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22getting a degree, studying, with a family, and so,
0:35:22 > 0:35:26yeah, we've got here, we've made it.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32This is a special day to treasure as a memory,
0:35:32 > 0:35:34got the photographs.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Hopefully inspire me onwards and upwards.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40Well done...
0:35:40 > 0:35:42As well as graduating,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Colin has also achieved an extra accolade -
0:35:46 > 0:35:49the Outstanding Student of the Year award.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53..Colin Free, excellent performance
0:35:53 > 0:35:56in environmental planning. Colin.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05It's usually a young planner.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Unfortunately, I gazumped all the youngsters this year.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15For a young planner, 55, I've got 20 years ahead of me yet. So...
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Does it make me look younger?
0:36:18 > 0:36:20- Um...- All right. It doesn't.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- You look very young.- Thank you.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Over in Uley, Gloucestershire, the council's top planner
0:36:35 > 0:36:39is due to decide whether a tree house should be taken down
0:36:39 > 0:36:41after Sarah and Adam McKenzie-Wylie
0:36:41 > 0:36:43complained it overlooks their garden.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45That is a new building
0:36:45 > 0:36:49that's been erected well above the height of all other buildings,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52including his house, and it looks straight into our garden.
0:36:53 > 0:36:58Having moved her own house here stone by stone to enjoy the views,
0:36:58 > 0:37:03Sarah also thinks the new tree house isn't in keeping with the village.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Lovely shop. It's truly amazing.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Prince Charles came and opened it earlier this year.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12It was very exciting.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14What do you think he'd think of this?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17He'd definitely call it a carbuncle, wouldn't he?
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I think!
0:37:20 > 0:37:22It actually looks like Disneyland.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26Following the complaint, relations between Sarah
0:37:26 > 0:37:28and tree house owner Terry have not been good.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30There he was, the man himself.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34She came into my car park, was shaking her fist and banging...
0:37:34 > 0:37:38"You cannot be serious! You cannot be serious!"
0:37:38 > 0:37:42He is the most repulsive man I have ever, ever met.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44She said, "Welcome to Disney World!"
0:37:44 > 0:37:46I thought, "I don't know what she's on about."
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Half an hour, three-quarters of an hour later,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51she was stood across the house there shouting at us.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54She was shouting from across the valley.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56HE SIGHS
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Peep-peep!
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Head planner Phil Skill is the man in charge
0:38:04 > 0:38:06of making a decision on this case.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Welcome to my life.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Stuck between a rock and a hard place most of the time.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14We've got to find the truth,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16and is there any such thing as the truth?
0:38:16 > 0:38:21We've got to find what is it that is correct about all this.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23BOOMING NOTE
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Phil's verdict has finally been delivered to Terry.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29On my last visit to the site,
0:38:29 > 0:38:33it was noted that there was a veranda, however, it is
0:38:33 > 0:38:38not my intention at this time to issue an enforcement notice.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42May I offer you the opportunity to submit a revised application
0:38:42 > 0:38:46so that this omission can be considered by the council.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48HE CHUCKLES
0:38:48 > 0:38:51Pretty fantastic, that is, so we are very happy bunnies.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Every council in the UK has a maximum distance
0:38:56 > 0:39:00between buildings where overlooking is considered a planning issue.
0:39:00 > 0:39:05In Wrexham, for example, it's 22m. In Peterborough, it's 27.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10Terry's tree house is far beyond any English council regulation.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14From our point of view, it's nearly half a kilometre
0:39:14 > 0:39:16to the neighbouring properties,
0:39:16 > 0:39:20and therefore, there shouldn't be any issue about overlooking
0:39:20 > 0:39:22and overbearing.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25It's just not in that sort of field.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30It's bad news for the McKenzie-Wylies.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I know that we're over 500m away
0:39:34 > 0:39:36but with a pair of binoculars you could easily see,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and I do feel it does have an overbearing effect.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43In my view - total nonsense. The council have got it wrong.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48With his tree house now safe, Terry can add some finishing touches.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50One's Sarah and one's Adam.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53It's just names we thought of...really.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59When there's a neighbour dispute, planning is their weapon of choice.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03It's the blunt stick that they use to beat each other up with.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06And unfortunately, I look like a blunt stick.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09I just sometimes wish that I was a masochist
0:40:09 > 0:40:12so that I would actually enjoy the beating up.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Adam and Sarah will be looking out across the valley that way,
0:40:15 > 0:40:18guarding us from evil spirits
0:40:18 > 0:40:21from the northern direction of the valley.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25The best we could hope for is we have a big storm like we had
0:40:25 > 0:40:28three weeks ago. Maybe we won't have to worry about it.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Maybe God will tear it down. Who knows?
0:40:39 > 0:40:43- You look smart.- Thank you. Thank you very much.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Over in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire,
0:40:45 > 0:40:49the first application to extend this Turkish restaurant
0:40:49 > 0:40:51was knocked back by the council,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55but that didn't faze veteran planning consultant Dom Padalino.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59He moved a wall, on paper at least, and resubmitted the plans.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Planning is a game
0:41:03 > 0:41:05and over the years, I've got better at playing that game.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10And, ultimately,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13we end up winning quite a lot of games.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16You know, to be successful, you need to be a winner
0:41:16 > 0:41:18and if you are a loser,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21you get eaten up by the winners,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24and the planners will also eat you up.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Dom may be confident, but since planner Vicky Carter
0:41:29 > 0:41:32published his drawings on the council's website,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35they've not been popular with the restaurant's neighbours.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40We had over 20 objections to this planning application.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44More people, more noise, more disturbance.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48Completely valid reasons to object to a planning application.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Hello! Hello, hello, hello! How are you?
0:41:54 > 0:41:58The restaurant's neighbours may be united against this application,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01but Dom has every confidence his scheme will work.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05I don't have time for NIMBYs
0:42:05 > 0:42:08because there is no pleasing certain NIMBYs.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10From a planning point of view,
0:42:10 > 0:42:12we ticked the boxes.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15So they can delay the process of planning,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18I don't think they ever stop it.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20I think it's just a distraction, unfortunately.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26But it's planner Vicky's duty to visit the objectors
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and investigate their issues.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32George Shiers moved to the area when the restaurant was still a pub,
0:42:32 > 0:42:3440 years ago.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- Good morning.- Good morning. Hi, I'm Vicky Carter
0:42:38 > 0:42:41- from the planning section. - Are you really?- Yeah.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- Do you mind if we come in? - Come in.- Thank you very much.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49I don't know whether you are aware of this,
0:42:49 > 0:42:53but there's overkill of these catering outlets.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57It's absolute maniacal that you should be allowing people
0:42:57 > 0:42:59to increase this sort of venture.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02That area was originally a pub.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Your council has turned it into a rowdy nightspot
0:43:06 > 0:43:09with excessive amounts of noise,
0:43:09 > 0:43:14and whilst we have got very superior double glazing fitted recently,
0:43:14 > 0:43:19when people drink, they get loud. They get louder.
0:43:19 > 0:43:24- Hmm. And then your other issue was odour?- Yes.- Smells from...
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- The smells from the cooking. - ..the cooking.- Yeah.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29It is a restaurant.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34- I can understand...- But we were here long before that became a restaurant.
0:43:34 > 0:43:38But not the pub. It's gone from a pub to a restaurant.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42I know. But the pub, as it was, when we came here,
0:43:42 > 0:43:44if you wanted any food,
0:43:44 > 0:43:47you could have any flavour of crisps you wanted.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Hmm. Unfortunately...
0:43:49 > 0:43:53Unfortunately, I'm a member of the public
0:43:53 > 0:43:56and it doesn't matter what I think.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01- OK. Right, OK.- What you should do is refund all my council tax
0:44:01 > 0:44:05- to fund my move to somewhere else. - OK.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09I think George has got major issues with the restaurant.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12I don't think it would matter what restaurant would go in there,
0:44:12 > 0:44:14what they would do to it.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16I think he's always going to have problems
0:44:16 > 0:44:18but our job is not just to protect residents
0:44:18 > 0:44:22but to also support local businesses and our town centres.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25George's objections haven't impressed planner Vicky,
0:44:25 > 0:44:29but just above the restaurant lives objector Lina Viatkiniene.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31Hello. Hi. Is it Lina?
0:44:31 > 0:44:34..who moved to the UK from Lithuania in 2005.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Lina thinks that expanding the restaurant would be
0:44:37 > 0:44:39the wrong thing to do.
0:44:39 > 0:44:44That restaurant, according to the... What are they called?
0:44:44 > 0:44:48..land register, they have access only for deliveries.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52So, are you concerned about people using the restaurant parking here
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- and walking in this way? - Yes, even now, they use it,
0:44:55 > 0:44:57because even now, they block in our cars.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59When you want to go out,
0:44:59 > 0:45:02you sit in a car 15 minutes waiting...
0:45:02 > 0:45:05For them to get potential restaurant people to come?
0:45:05 > 0:45:07- Rubbish. Another thing.- Rubbish.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10Summer time, they are always open.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12- So there's odour?- Flies, odour...
0:45:12 > 0:45:15So we are all not happy with the parking, with the rubbish,
0:45:15 > 0:45:18with the smell, with the noise, with everything that, you know...
0:45:20 > 0:45:22After speaking to the objectors,
0:45:22 > 0:45:26Vicky is looking at this planning application from a new perspective.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29There are a few possible problems with the application
0:45:29 > 0:45:31resulting from these discussions.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34I think we might have to go back to the agent
0:45:34 > 0:45:36and seek some amendments.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39The neighbours are concerned
0:45:39 > 0:45:43but I'm slightly disappointed that the planners have taken it on board,
0:45:43 > 0:45:47which is a slight concern, rather than looking at the facts.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50Vicky's now requested a complete overhaul of the plans,
0:45:50 > 0:45:53including the relocation of the smoking area,
0:45:53 > 0:45:56and a dedicated space for the refuse bins.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59We've had to compromise
0:45:59 > 0:46:03due to the issues that have arisen from the neighbours.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05You can't stop people objecting.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08Years ago, we used to go down to the planning office
0:46:08 > 0:46:12and study drawings, and obviously having computer access
0:46:12 > 0:46:15makes life a lot easier for these people
0:46:15 > 0:46:18to access and view. There's not a lot we can do.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20We can't switch off people's computers.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24It takes up to eight weeks
0:46:24 > 0:46:27for planners to consider every new application,
0:46:27 > 0:46:30which means that if Dom's next submission isn't successful,
0:46:30 > 0:46:34his client won't be able to get the extension
0:46:34 > 0:46:36built in time for Christmas.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38This is definitely the last opportunity for the agents
0:46:38 > 0:46:43to actually submit an application that works, basically.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58In Winsford, Cheshire,
0:46:58 > 0:47:02there's a proposal to build 184 new houses on this green field.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05Today, the planning committee will meet to decide
0:47:05 > 0:47:07whether to approve or refuse it.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10But developers can count on the backing of
0:47:10 > 0:47:11the council's top planner.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14Greenfield sites are easier to do
0:47:14 > 0:47:17and inevitably developers are in this game for making a profit.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19They wouldn't do it otherwise.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21From our point of view,
0:47:21 > 0:47:23although brown field is a preferable alternative,
0:47:23 > 0:47:26it's not a must. If it's sustainable and there are no other issues,
0:47:26 > 0:47:30we have no choice, as officers, but other than to recommend approval.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35But it could be a Government act that saves this green field.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38Thanks to the Localism Act of 2011,
0:47:38 > 0:47:43all communities now have a say about the planning of their town.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48In Winsford, the local neighbourhood plan has already identified
0:47:48 > 0:47:51land for 3,500 new homes elsewhere.
0:47:51 > 0:47:57Chief objector Robin Wood thinks this will be his killer argument.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59It's going to be a measured speech,
0:47:59 > 0:48:03every word articulated and enunciated,
0:48:03 > 0:48:06like a laser going straight to the heart...
0:48:08 > 0:48:09..of the planning committee.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14Robin hopes the scheme will fall flat on its face,
0:48:14 > 0:48:17just like he did in the run-up to committee day.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20Perhaps they'll have some sympathy with you on crutches, Robin.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22Good!
0:48:22 > 0:48:25I'm not proud.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32At a full council chamber,
0:48:32 > 0:48:37Robin gets to put his case to the nine committee members.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40CRUTCHES CLATTER LOUDLY
0:48:42 > 0:48:46Let me say straightaway that the Winsford neighbourhood plan
0:48:46 > 0:48:51has already identified close to our target of 3,500 houses,
0:48:51 > 0:48:54and which does not include this site.
0:48:54 > 0:48:58We therefore believe that it is completely inappropriate
0:48:58 > 0:49:02to even consider a development like this on greenfield land
0:49:02 > 0:49:05which is currently used for farming and food production.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07Thank you.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09APPLAUSE
0:49:09 > 0:49:13Having pocketed a recommendation for approval from the planners,
0:49:13 > 0:49:16the developers' agent is speaking next.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19The officers' report comprehensively addresses
0:49:19 > 0:49:21all the material considerations.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24We are thankful... We thank the officers for their hard work
0:49:24 > 0:49:28and we are very grateful for the recommendation for approval.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31The development will not result in any adverse impacts
0:49:31 > 0:49:33and it will deliver a wide range of benefits,
0:49:33 > 0:49:36which should be afforded significant weight.
0:49:36 > 0:49:37I would like to thank you for your time
0:49:37 > 0:49:41and respectfully request members to support this planning application
0:49:41 > 0:49:43and resolve to grant planning permission
0:49:43 > 0:49:45in line with your officers' recommendation. Thank you.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47Thank you.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51I'd like to open the debate straightaway to members on this.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53We in fact visited this site
0:49:53 > 0:49:57and I was struck by the nature of the green fields.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00They were truly green.
0:50:00 > 0:50:07And I think that were we forced, bludgeoned by officers...
0:50:07 > 0:50:09Don't tempt me.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11..to adopt this.
0:50:11 > 0:50:17People would bear in mind that book, How Green Was My Valley.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20LAUGHTER
0:50:20 > 0:50:22Good start.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24I think this is just too far.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26This is a green site,
0:50:26 > 0:50:29it's best and most versatile agricultural land...
0:50:29 > 0:50:32As the debate starts, it looks like
0:50:32 > 0:50:35the councillors want to save this green field.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39But to go against development, they must find a sound planning reason,
0:50:39 > 0:50:42one that head planner Fiona feels can be defended
0:50:42 > 0:50:45if an appeal is lodged.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48If you try refusing it on DS5, open countryside,
0:50:48 > 0:50:51you will not sustain that. We've seen that time and time again.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54We could say something like, "This is a greenfield site,"
0:50:54 > 0:50:56or something along those lines?
0:50:56 > 0:50:58WOMAN: She says no. >
0:50:58 > 0:51:03Chairman, we've had numerous appeal decisions,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06and time and time and time again,
0:51:06 > 0:51:10we've failed to justify this committee's reasons for refusal,
0:51:10 > 0:51:15and we are faced with significant cost implications
0:51:15 > 0:51:17as a result of those decisions.
0:51:17 > 0:51:22I'm yet to hear from members why this site is not sustainable.
0:51:22 > 0:51:26- That's incorrect. You've only said...- Chairman!- Excuse me.
0:51:26 > 0:51:30Finally, one councillor decides on a change of tactic
0:51:30 > 0:51:33and puts forward objector Robin's argument.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36We've been running the Winsford neighbour plan
0:51:36 > 0:51:37for the last two years.
0:51:37 > 0:51:43We have identified land for 3,500 to 3,600 houses.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46This has come outside of it.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49Councillor Clarke believes the local neighbourhood plan
0:51:49 > 0:51:52will protect greenfield sites such as this.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55Chairman, once again...
0:51:55 > 0:51:57I'm sorry to keep doing this,
0:51:57 > 0:52:00but neighbourhood plan hasn't been through examination
0:52:00 > 0:52:02so we are still at relatively early stages
0:52:02 > 0:52:05in terms of the weight that you can give them.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Fiona is still not convinced this argument would stand up at appeal
0:52:08 > 0:52:12but the councillors are determined to try and save the green field.
0:52:12 > 0:52:17I have to say that if the law is that you've got to allow everything,
0:52:17 > 0:52:20then why are we all sitting here?
0:52:21 > 0:52:25We, as an authority, are encouraging neighbourhood plans
0:52:25 > 0:52:27but are we listening to them?
0:52:27 > 0:52:30Because, obviously, I don't think we are here.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33I'll still move the recommendation for refusal.
0:52:33 > 0:52:36APPLAUSE
0:52:41 > 0:52:43Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Please.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45Can we go to the vote, please?
0:52:45 > 0:52:48All those in favour of refusal please show.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53That's unanimous. Clearly carried, thank you.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:52:55 > 0:52:57After a 45-minute debate,
0:52:57 > 0:52:59the councillors finally get their way -
0:52:59 > 0:53:01the green field won't be built on.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05- Well done.- Thank you very much.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08- She wants slapping down, doesn't she?- I know.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10Does that mean we can go now?
0:53:10 > 0:53:13We're absolutely thrilled. We're absolutely thrilled.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15I think it's been a great result.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18I think the councillors weren't going to be pushed around
0:53:18 > 0:53:22by planning law, they were just going to go for it, and they did.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24I think the public sector needs to remember their place.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26I mean, they're meant to be serving us.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29They're meant to be serving the committee members
0:53:29 > 0:53:31and trying to help them, and she didn't do that.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34I think it was absolutely appalling. It's a disgrace.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38She was on the verge of bullying them, but they wouldn't be bullied.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40Good for them.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44I'm going to have a quiet beer...
0:53:44 > 0:53:46followed by lots of noisy ones.
0:53:47 > 0:53:49Good night.
0:53:51 > 0:53:52They don't HAVE to listen to me.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56It's my job to try and get them to come to what I consider
0:53:56 > 0:53:59the right planning decision, but they decided to run with it,
0:53:59 > 0:54:03but the likely outcome is, we'll end up in an appeal situation
0:54:03 > 0:54:06with what I have to say is
0:54:06 > 0:54:10a very difficult reason for refusal to defend.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13I became incensed when somebody keeps telling me,
0:54:13 > 0:54:15"You cannot do this," and, "You cannot do that."
0:54:15 > 0:54:17It's our town.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Good night.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33180 miles south in Broxbourne, local objectors
0:54:33 > 0:54:36have managed to slow down the progress of an application
0:54:36 > 0:54:38to extend this Turkish restaurant.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41I've had applications that have gone for quite some time,
0:54:41 > 0:54:44different amended plans, different re-consults with neighbours,
0:54:44 > 0:54:48for seven days. I've never had an application go on for this long.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51We've had so many plans now to try and make it work,
0:54:51 > 0:54:54it has become a little bit of a mess, really.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59Still trying to get the extension built by Christmas,
0:54:59 > 0:55:02veteran planning consultant Dom Padalino has come
0:55:02 > 0:55:05to re-draw the application for the fourth time.
0:55:05 > 0:55:06Careful...
0:55:06 > 0:55:09Sorry?
0:55:09 > 0:55:11You almost hit the dog.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15(He was in the road, wasn't he?)
0:55:16 > 0:55:18After 16 weeks of unproductive work,
0:55:18 > 0:55:21Dom believes he's finally found a scheme
0:55:21 > 0:55:24which is going to silence the locals and the planners.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27The pen is certainly mightier than the sword in my case.
0:55:27 > 0:55:30It's very rare that we have to use the sword.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Dom has moved the smoking area to the far side,
0:55:35 > 0:55:39which he believes will address the noise and the access issues,
0:55:39 > 0:55:42and also make room for the refuse bins,
0:55:42 > 0:55:45so his client can look forward to a busy Christmas season.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48The winter time is coming.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52I hope, this time, everything is ready.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01But Christmas time comes,
0:56:01 > 0:56:03and there's not much room at the inn.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05The extension hasn't been approved.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13Environmental health do have some issues with the smoking shelter
0:56:13 > 0:56:15being on that western side,
0:56:15 > 0:56:17mainly because it's completely contained,
0:56:17 > 0:56:21so the smoking shelter hasn't got enough room, really,
0:56:21 > 0:56:24for the smoke to infiltrate into the air.
0:56:25 > 0:56:29He's been trying to make it work by just doing small tweaks
0:56:29 > 0:56:33here and there and, unfortunately, the small tweaks just aren't enough.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36Dom will get another chance to submit his plans
0:56:36 > 0:56:40in the new year, but he's failed to deliver this project on time,
0:56:40 > 0:56:44which has dented his 100% approval record.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47I'm not sure if we'll get a card from Dom this year.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49You never know, we might be on his Christmas list.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51I very much doubt it.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53We've got a few left over
0:56:53 > 0:56:56so we'll send them out to the planners.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03Dom may have missed his Christmas deadline,
0:57:03 > 0:57:05but he's still working on the ultimate solution
0:57:05 > 0:57:06for the smoking area.
0:57:06 > 0:57:10We had designed the smoking shelter and I remember at the outset
0:57:10 > 0:57:12that the planners actually told us that they
0:57:12 > 0:57:14thought the smoking shelter was too small.
0:57:14 > 0:57:16So then we increased it.
0:57:16 > 0:57:20We were then told it was going to cause problems to the neighbours,
0:57:20 > 0:57:21so we then moved it.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24And we've now got rid of it.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27So, by taking, literally, the label off the drawing,
0:57:27 > 0:57:29and call it an outside terrace,
0:57:29 > 0:57:32we resolved that problem.
0:57:34 > 0:57:36Don't worry. We are still young.
0:57:36 > 0:57:40We have this a long time and we can wait.
0:57:49 > 0:57:53Next time - one couple expose their bold plan
0:57:53 > 0:57:55to stop a development...
0:57:55 > 0:57:57We are both naturists,
0:57:57 > 0:58:02and it you want to sell it, it may put off prospective buyers.
0:58:02 > 0:58:05..residents are pushed to the limit...
0:58:05 > 0:58:08If it goes against us, I'll probably kill somebody.
0:58:08 > 0:58:12..and objectors to a block of flats tell the architect where to go.
0:58:12 > 0:58:15Between the Gherkin and The Shard, it'd look lovely.
0:58:15 > 0:58:17Not on a nice little corner.
0:58:17 > 0:58:20It don't need something like that there.