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 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 > 0:01:01Tonight, a planner has a dilemma...
0:01:01 > 0:01:03My decision could be, not only his home,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07which might have to be removed,
0:01:07 > 0:01:09but the ceasing of his business.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13..an applicant puts his plans in the hands of a higher authority...
0:01:13 > 0:01:18I'm not in control. Planners are not in control. God is in control.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22..and an objector to holiday lodges looks on the bright side.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25I might come and look at Jacuzzi Susie with her top off and say,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28"I've got a perfect right to be stood here looking at you, love!"
0:01:28 > 0:01:29HE LAUGHS
0:01:35 > 0:01:41In the UK, green belts were introduced almost 70 years ago,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44as a way to control the expansion of our cities.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Planning laws are particularly restrictive here,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and the construction of new houses can only be allowed
0:01:53 > 0:01:55in exceptional circumstances.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04But just outside London, there's a man who calls the green belt "home".
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Steve Gumble owns a 4.5-acre plot in Hertfordshire,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12where he still practises an ancient way of life.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15I appreciate a lot of simple living.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18There's a lot to be said for the medieval side of life.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Apart from the plague. And, um, dysentery.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Probably not be too good.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29All you do, you go in, shut the door, do what you're doing.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32A sprinkling of sawdust, which is gently rotting down
0:02:32 > 0:02:34with whatever else is in there.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39The nutrients will leech into the soil to grow this beautiful willow.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Which, apart from screening the place,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44it's actually a living entity, it's something we can use.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Using the wood he grows on his land and other local supplies,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Steve produces timber-framed buildings and charcoal.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Ten years ago, after getting divorced,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Steve built himself a log cabin and moved into it.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09So, this is my area. That's where I sleep, that's my pit.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11This is not the love shack, no, no.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15There's not been a lot of love going on here. Not that sort anyway. No.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18I'm... Yeah.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23In a world of violence, you turn the TV on now
0:03:23 > 0:03:28and there's millions of people protesting about God knows what, you know?
0:03:28 > 0:03:31My main concern is what's going on out there, and it's not a lot.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37But somebody's come to interrupt Steve's peaceful isolation...
0:03:43 > 0:03:47..Broxbourne Council's Major Sites Development Officer, Andy MacDougall.
0:03:47 > 0:03:48What's the tattoo?
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Basically a bunch of arrows that go right the way up to the shoulder.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Little bit symbolic for something. Don't really know what.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58One of those mid-life crises that had to be done.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Not sure Mum liked it, though. She'll get used to it.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Since woodsman Steve built a house in the green belt,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11he's been in breach of planning law.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19Mr Gumble operates a charcoal-producing business.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22He does have a lawful planning permission
0:04:22 > 0:04:25to run that business from the site.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29What he doesn't have is the lawful right to occupy
0:04:29 > 0:04:32the land as a residential dwelling.
0:04:32 > 0:04:38Green belt policies exist to stop the spread of houses within it.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43I suppose my job is to stop the green belt free-for-all at the moment.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47The danger is, if you start pushing out into green fields,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50you erode those fields, you erode the countryside,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54you erode areas that people use for leisure.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57So it's not an ideal situation.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04For the last two years, Steve has been locked in a costly legal battle
0:05:04 > 0:05:07with the council to try and keep his house.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11But after spending nearly all his savings on legal advice,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14he's now trying to obtain retrospective planning permission.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17As I understand British law,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19if you are a farmer, you can live on your farm,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22if you're a forester, you can live in your forest.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25It doesn't get much more forestry than making charcoal,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28green-timber building, and I'm also growing about 800 trees.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36He's obviously claiming that he has to be on site at all times
0:05:36 > 0:05:40during the burning and the production of charcoal.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42I wouldn't want these to burn out of control,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46but I've got to assess whether or not he could reasonably
0:05:46 > 0:05:49look after those burners
0:05:49 > 0:05:52without actually having to live on the site.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Steve has submitted his application.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58The planners have eight weeks to consider it.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02If this planning application does fail, then, yeah,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04it will be pretty hard to run the business.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08My whole life is on the line, yeah, yeah. Yeah.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15My decision could be not only his home,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19which might have to be removed, but the ceasing of his business.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Every square inch of Britain has a purpose.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Planners decide which land should be commercial,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36industrial or residential, in an attempt to regulate development.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40In Rhyl, North Wales,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42the council has spent the last seven years
0:06:42 > 0:06:44crafting its new development plan,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48which assigns a specific use to every area of the city.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54In the beginning, God. It all started with God.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57But when Pastor Mike Bettany wanted a place for his new church,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00he consulted a much older publication.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I was reading my Bible and I came across a verse
0:07:04 > 0:07:09in Deuteronomy where God speaking to Moses said, "Go and seek THE place
0:07:09 > 0:07:13"where the Lord your God chooses to put his name for a dwelling place."
0:07:14 > 0:07:17I've meditated on that, and here we are now,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20this is the place, this beautiful factory.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Pastor Bettany wants to build a brand-new church
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and community centre on this industrial plot,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29which will include a counselling service, a nursery
0:07:29 > 0:07:31and a food bank for the poor.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37That's roughly what we're looking to do. It's a lot cheaper than
0:07:37 > 0:07:38the old brick construction.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42And then this blue building will be a sports centre.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45But the site has been designated for industry,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and the planners have to authorise a change of use
0:07:48 > 0:07:52before the pastor can start building.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56I'm not in control, planners are not in control. God is in control.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58The church will be built.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04But one objector thinks the area
0:08:04 > 0:08:07should continue to be devoted exclusively to business.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Follow me to my world.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Hang on, I'll look cool.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16No, I'll be serious.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Property tycoon Dougie Parry
0:08:18 > 0:08:22owns the industrial unit next to the proposed church
0:08:22 > 0:08:24and he's been renting it out to this steelworks
0:08:24 > 0:08:26for the past eight years.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Car parts go into here...
0:08:32 > 0:08:34I don't really know what they do. Hold the phone a second.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Gavin, what are they for? They're car parts...?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Yeah.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Yes, and what do they do? I mean, what are they for?
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- You should know by now, Doug! - BLEEP- help me!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Products from this factory
0:08:50 > 0:08:52are used to transport car parts all over the world.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57The company has ambitions to expand.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Dougie tried to buy the industrial plot next door,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03but was pipped to the post by Pastor Bettany.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05We are a manufacturing country.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07We've lost an awful lot of manufacturing,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11but we need manufacturing in this country more than anything else.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21In the last five years, £29 million of regeneration money
0:09:21 > 0:09:23has been ploughed into Rhyl.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Planner Paul Mead is in charge of this application.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30It's had a few kicks over the years, has Rhyl.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33And it continues to struggle
0:09:33 > 0:09:35with social and economic problems.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40The deprivation that you see,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44it's really quite saddening to see what Rhyl has become.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47It's got to reinvent itself.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51The pastor's application poses a real dilemma for Paul.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54MOBILE RINGS Hello?
0:09:54 > 0:09:56He has to balance the church's charitable work
0:09:56 > 0:09:59with the potential for employment.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02This site used to give work to 150 people.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04In terms of the employment, then,
0:10:04 > 0:10:08cos you've mentioned that you would be employing people here,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11what roles would they be undertaking at the site?
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Number one - I'm employed.- OK.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Number two - there will need to be an overall site manager.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21The coffee bar will need two full-time
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- with the possibility of maybe two part-time staff.- Mm.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29But also, because we are a church,
0:10:29 > 0:10:34we don't want to run a successful business. We want to run a ministry.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39Oh, OK, well... It's got a lot of things that are ticking boxes,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42you know, in terms of what community cohesion is about,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45the community involvement, bringing people together
0:10:45 > 0:10:50and the benefits that you are bringing to Rhyl are quite clear...
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Pastor Bettany has such strong belief in his vision
0:10:54 > 0:10:59that he spent £180,000 of church funds on buying the site.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02He now hopes planner Paul will see the light
0:11:02 > 0:11:05and recommend approval for this application.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09THEY SING UPBEAT SONG
0:11:09 > 0:11:13We pray, Lord, I ask your blessing upon everyone throughout this coming week.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Those who are faced with difficult decisions,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20I pray that you will give them great wisdom to make the right decisions.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23In Jesus' name, amen.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32With nearly 2.5 million unemployed across the UK,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35record numbers of people are creating their own businesses.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42In Broxbourne, Bee Hopkins runs a successful dog-walking business,
0:11:42 > 0:11:46but her plans to expand it are messing up neighbourly relations.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Good girls!
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Makes you feel a bit lighter now!
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Bee wants to join the 80,000 UK businesses run from garden sheds,
0:11:57 > 0:12:02which last year contributed £6.1 billion to the economy.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06In 2012, she built kennels in her garden
0:12:06 > 0:12:09and asked for permission from the planners to keep dogs.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11But they refused.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15I lost on the potential for noise
0:12:15 > 0:12:17to the surrounding neighbours.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21So I'm resubmitting my application,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25this time for cats to be boarded only.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30I've converted the one dog kennel now into a cat chalet.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32So I have a cat pen, a cat chalet,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36and I have hutches for guinea pigs and rabbits.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Bee hopes with quieter guests,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41the council will now grant her permission.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Planning assistant Rob Webster is handling this application.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53I'm not an animal person,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56so I'm not sure I've ever seen a cat hotel before,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58so, eye-opening stuff.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Bee is proposing to accommodate a maximum of nine furry animals
0:13:03 > 0:13:07in her luxury sheds, charging £8.50 per day.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- Come on into the pet pen! - Thank you very much.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13This is the indoor bay area.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17I've got the tower, I've got a catnip chase.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22They will also have other things to play with, like balls,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24squeaky mice, that kind of thing, in here.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27It's not often as a planner you need to get inside the head of a cat,
0:13:27 > 0:13:31but I think it's better than I get at home, this!
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Next-door neighbour Larry Shannon is less impressed.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44The garden shed is a summertime retreat for this former detective.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47But Larry had to come out of retirement recently
0:13:47 > 0:13:50to sniff out a bedroom intruder.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I woke up on a Monday morning,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58and there was the biggest load of muck and wee
0:13:58 > 0:14:00on the bed you'd ever seen.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05I could hear "tinkle-tinkle" and I see this cat, creeping...
0:14:07 > 0:14:11This feline break-in has put Larry off pussies for good,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14and he's now objecting to Bee's planning application.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19I'm against the cattery and rabbits and whatnot else
0:14:19 > 0:14:21because of the cats around here, there's too many cats.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24There's cats, there's everything around here, but she don't care.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26ROARING
0:14:26 > 0:14:29And Larry isn't alone.
0:14:29 > 0:14:3176-year-old widow Doreen Sims
0:14:31 > 0:14:34has lived in the house next door for 42 years.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I'm a Sinatra fan
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and I sometimes join in.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42SHE CHUCKLES
0:14:42 > 0:14:44And if the bones are not aching too much,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I might get up and have a little dance.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51# Come fly with me Let's fly, let's fly away. #
0:14:53 > 0:14:57It's... What is it now? I've forgotten the words!
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Like Larry, Doreen is worried that Bee's furry guests
0:15:02 > 0:15:04will be allowed to roam free.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07I've got visions of them hopping over that fence
0:15:07 > 0:15:11and I'm going to get quite a few visitors, I think.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12And I don't want that.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- If you want to have a look... - I'll poke my nose over the top...
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Having assessed the site, planner Rob has to decide
0:15:20 > 0:15:23which side of the fence he wants to come down on.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Ooh, careful! - I hope that wasn't too important!
0:15:26 > 0:15:30He has to choose between recommending approval for Bee's new business,
0:15:30 > 0:15:33or listening to the neighbours' concerns and refuse it.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Okey-dokey, I'll mind my step before I try and continue.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- All right.- See you again.- Thank you. - All right. Bye.- Bye.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46This is so small fry. I don't understand why it's such a problem.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48I could have this amount of pets of my own.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Bee's business dreams are on the line once again.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00To not win this time would be potentially devastating.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Just two miles away, in the green belt of London,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13the future of Steve Gumble's home depends on the outcome
0:16:13 > 0:16:16of his retrospective planning application.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20This whole planning thing has probably cost me 25 grand so far.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22To me, that's a lot of money,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26that's a lot of charcoal I've got to make to make that money back.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28But there's no point in getting angry
0:16:28 > 0:16:31and labelling all planning officers as complete what-and-evers,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35because I'm sure that there is one or two out there with a conscience.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Planner Andy MacDougall is in charge of this application.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Dwellings within the green belt are looked at very carefully.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49And, at the moment,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53I'm...on the side of sceptical,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55rather than...
0:16:57 > 0:16:59..wanting to approve it.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04There is a potential issue of highway access.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07I certainly wouldn't want it on my conscience
0:17:07 > 0:17:10that I recommend something for approval, a year down the line,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13a serious accident takes place because of inappropriate access to the site.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18Hence why I've gone to the County Council Highway Officer for an opinion.
0:17:20 > 0:17:25When we look at developments, one of the key things is to make sure that
0:17:25 > 0:17:29it encourages walking and cycling and public transport and so on.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34And then, when I turn up in this car,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38a black Audi A3, big engine, yeah, it kind of...
0:17:38 > 0:17:42I think it's the impression that I don't always practise what I preach.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46So, I try not to do every site visit in this. If I can walk, then I will.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48But, er... yeah.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Highways Officer Matt Armstrong has to work out
0:17:55 > 0:18:00whether the access is suitable for Steve's domestic and business needs.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Visibility really isn't great in both directions.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Particularly in that direction.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10There should be 215 metres' visibility.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12Nowhere near that here.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19For what is a 60-mile-an-hour road, that's not brilliant.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25After carefully considering all the elements,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Matt is ready to give his professional opinion.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32I've got to look purely at all of this from a technical aspect.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34The level of visibility's not great,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36the road surface isn't really what we would like.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Road width perhaps a bit limited as well, but the fact is,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43they've had permission for the last six, seven years or so
0:18:43 > 0:18:46to use the site, so I can't really turn round now
0:18:46 > 0:18:49and say that they can't carry on using this access.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53So long as the business keeps at the same level that it has been,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56there's not a great deal I can really object on.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Steve's application has the backing of the Highway Agency -
0:19:02 > 0:19:06but for planner Andy, work isn't finished yet.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Before he makes a recommendation, he has to look for any precedent.
0:19:10 > 0:19:17There is a lot of case law and applications out there which would go against him.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22So, I've got to take it all in the round,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25assess all his information, um...
0:19:25 > 0:19:29and give him a fair chance.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37In Rhyl, Pastor Mike Bettany
0:19:37 > 0:19:40has been looking for a place for his new church for two years.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43He considered an ex-nightclub, an abattoir
0:19:43 > 0:19:45and a frozen meat factory,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48but in the end, he asked his parishioners to dig deep
0:19:48 > 0:19:51to buy this derelict industrial plot.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Today, he'll find out if the planners
0:19:54 > 0:19:58have recommended approval or refusal for the construction of his church.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02I was talking to a pastor from Egypt,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06and this Egyptian pastor said, "We're praying for you."
0:20:06 > 0:20:11In the centre of Egypt, where Christians killed,
0:20:11 > 0:20:15their buildings have been burnt down, they're praying for us.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18It's like, "What do we need?"
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Apart from planning permission, what do we need?
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Hallelujah, hallelujah.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31Objector Dougie Parry is praying the pastor's plans are refused
0:20:31 > 0:20:33and wastes no time in calling the planner.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40Hello, Paul. Can you tell me what the decision is or how we've got on?
0:20:42 > 0:20:46It's bad news for Pastor Bettany and his Pentecostal community,
0:20:46 > 0:20:47as the planners couldn't support
0:20:47 > 0:20:50putting a church on an industrial site.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Thank you, bye-bye. Bye-bye.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56That's certainly good news.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00I was brought up in Rhyl when Rhyl was a very busy, thriving place.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03And it's deteriorated so much
0:21:03 > 0:21:06that I think this is a positive move for the area
0:21:06 > 0:21:12and I hope it may give other people initiatives to spring off from this.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15It's got to start somewhere.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19The recommendation to refuse the application has been sent out
0:21:19 > 0:21:21to the planning committee members by planner Paul Mead.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24We need to protect what employment land
0:21:24 > 0:21:27we have got in Rhyl, which is quite scarce.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30I know the Reverend has mentioned that he will employ a few people
0:21:30 > 0:21:34within this church complex, but, unfortunately,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38we were probably hoping that he was probably going to be able to employ
0:21:38 > 0:21:41a lot more people than he is doing on that particular site
0:21:41 > 0:21:44and that's what the site's allocated for.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46But it's the elected members
0:21:46 > 0:21:48of the planning committee who have the final word.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Former seamstress Pat Jones
0:21:51 > 0:21:53and corner-shop owner Margaret McCarroll
0:21:53 > 0:21:56are two of the longest-serving councillors.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00I've been on the town 17, 18 years
0:22:00 > 0:22:04and then went to be a county councillor.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Together with town councillors like Ellie,
0:22:07 > 0:22:11Pat and Margaret work to regenerate one of the most deprived areas in the country.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!
0:22:14 > 0:22:17So many little hidden gems like here.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20I remember when my children were little, Craig fell in this pond.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Oh, did he?- Come to Rhyl, it's brill!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25THEY LAUGH
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Deciding on this application won't be a walk in the park.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Ahead of the planning committee meeting, they have to make a site visit.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- We shall make an official... - Two minutes.- Two minutes to go?
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Oh, OK. We've got to be precise. We've got to...
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Shall we have a sing-song, or...?
0:22:43 > 0:22:47The site visit is due to start at 10am.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52So they must wait to allow time for any of the other 30 members to arrive.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55I think we're getting close to ten o'clock, ladies, aren't we?
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Shall we beckon the chair and vice-chair back
0:22:58 > 0:23:00from their in-depth conversation, look?
0:23:00 > 0:23:03They're not talking about planning at all there, are they?
0:23:03 > 0:23:06They're talking about barbecues, et cetera.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Well, we'll make a start. The site, within our development plan,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13is allocated for employment purposes.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17The inspector has basically said this site needs to be
0:23:17 > 0:23:18retained for employment purposes.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22We've only got 1.8 hectares of employment land in Rhyl
0:23:22 > 0:23:25and if this does go, it's gone then,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and then where do we find the other required lands?
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- You want something like this for your ward?- Yes.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37You're also thinking about what, historically, this area's been.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42We'll see you again on Wednesday, OK? Thanks very much indeed. Bye.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46I don't know the Reverend, but what a wonderful project!
0:23:46 > 0:23:49What would this do for our community?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Choosing between economic or spiritual healing
0:23:53 > 0:23:56is proving a real dilemma.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Some things are difficult...
0:23:59 > 0:24:03..and some things are quite simple.
0:24:03 > 0:24:09But the difficult ones are really difficult, aren't they?
0:24:16 > 0:24:21The Forestry Commission looks after 3% of Britain's land.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Facing severe cuts in public funding and falling timber sales,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31it has recently come up with a new money-making plan.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36The Forestry Commission has teamed up with a private company,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Forest Holidays, to build holiday villages
0:24:39 > 0:24:42inside Britain's publicly owned forests.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47Offering beauty treatments and outdoor hot tubs.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Their next target is Delamere Forest in Cheshire.
0:24:54 > 0:25:01This 2,400-acre forest currently loses £140,000 a year.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03For Head of Recreation David Williamson,
0:25:03 > 0:25:08not to build a holiday village here is a luxury he can't afford.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Providing public access in forests is a costly business.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Working with our colleagues in Forest Holidays,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17we're able to bring an income stream
0:25:17 > 0:25:20to help support the forest in the long term.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25The proposal is to build 78 log cabins
0:25:25 > 0:25:28that can accommodate 350 tourists.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Planner Adrian Crowther is in charge of this planning application.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37There's going to be a whole series of lodges on both sides
0:25:37 > 0:25:41of this forest ride, or track, if you like.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44This is where the main visitor facilities are.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47So, you can see they cover quite a significant area.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51But before the Forestry Commission can branch out,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53their plans have to convince Adrian
0:25:53 > 0:25:56to recommend approval for the scheme.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59There's the economic aspects of it.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03What does this bring to the area, to Cheshire West?
0:26:03 > 0:26:06What are the arguments for the Forestry Commission
0:26:06 > 0:26:10in terms of the long-term viability of the forest and the sustainability of it?
0:26:10 > 0:26:13And on the other avenue, they have to demonstrate to us
0:26:13 > 0:26:15that the harm is not going to be significant.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20200 local objectors have made it their mission
0:26:20 > 0:26:23to show Adrian just how harmful this development will be.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29The human body needs a little bit of peace and quiet now and again,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32away from everyday society.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35And there's no better place to come for it than Delamere Forest.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I'm adding years to my life, walking in here.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40I think I'm taking them off fighting this campaign!
0:26:41 > 0:26:46Chief protester Nigel Gilding lives at the edge of Delamere Forest.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48He owns an industrial carpet business,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52and wants to pull the rug from under this development.
0:26:53 > 0:26:54Now, these aren't small cabins.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58These things are 50 feet long and 29 feet wide.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02And everywhere you turn in 47 acres,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04you will see a lodge or a car.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06You don't see that at the moment.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Well, obviously, you don't see it, you can SEE you don't see it.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Imagine a hardcore path there,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15with three cars parked outside it
0:27:15 > 0:27:21and a nice, posh, four-bedroomed, double-glazed lodge. Cracking(!)
0:27:21 > 0:27:24That's what you call the countryside(!)
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Beggars belief!
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Although I'm told that my rights of way won't be affected,
0:27:28 > 0:27:33so I might come and look at Jacuzzi Susie with her top off and say,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36"I've got a perfect right to be stood here looking at you, love!"
0:27:38 > 0:27:42With 12 weeks to go before the planner's recommendation is due,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Nigel's mobilised the great and the good
0:27:44 > 0:27:46in this affluent corner of Cheshire.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52How many have we got here? Couple of hundred? I would say so.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56I'm the Member of Parliament for this part of Delamere
0:27:56 > 0:27:58and I'm here to advise, I was on a planning committee
0:27:58 > 0:28:02when I was a councillor for ten years so that's my commitment to you.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03I encourage you to sign the petition.
0:28:03 > 0:28:09I have here the traffic management plan that doesn't mention cars!
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Nigel's well-informed objectors are determined to do
0:28:13 > 0:28:17whatever it takes to keep the forest just the way it is.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20No-one here is a NIMBY. You just care about the forest.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22APPLAUSE
0:28:22 > 0:28:25We've got people who know what they're talking about.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27So, without any shadow of a doubt, this will get refused.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30I don't doubt that for a moment.
0:28:30 > 0:28:31I live just up there...
0:28:31 > 0:28:36I'm a busy man. I've got kids, I've not played with me lad for a week, two weeks sorting this out.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Get in at night and all I do is read documentation.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41If I thought I was wasting my time, I'd not be doing it, I'd just let it happen.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49In Broxbourne, Hertfordshire,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53planner Rob Webster is about to make a recommendation on plans to turn
0:28:53 > 0:28:58a back garden into a luxury hotel for cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Bee Hopkins submitted an application for dog kennels in the past,
0:29:02 > 0:29:03but had it turned down.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05The dogs have been taken out
0:29:05 > 0:29:07from the previous application,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10that was really the issue we had there.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13So, without any dogs, there's no noise issue,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16or not much of a noise issue as far as we're concerned.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19So, we are, yeah, quite happy to recommend approval.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25But the planners recommended approval for her last application
0:29:25 > 0:29:29only for it to be turned down by the council's planning committee.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33And the final word is once again
0:29:33 > 0:29:36down to these 13 elected councillors.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43They include a London taxi driver,
0:29:43 > 0:29:45an ex-market-stall holder
0:29:45 > 0:29:47and a cleaning-company owner.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50The council has refused the application
0:29:50 > 0:29:52against our recommendation before.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53They could very well do it again.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55They will clearly need some convincing.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00So I'm just preparing some glasses and some water
0:30:00 > 0:30:03for the committee members because it's such a hot day.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07It's so hot, I feel really uncomfortable.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11Very sticky. I've tried to dress as comfortable as possible.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14But I draw the line at leaving my shorts on.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20I'm not sure that I've got enough the same size.
0:30:20 > 0:30:21This is identical.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Some of the guys might want the bigger glasses,
0:30:24 > 0:30:26and the ladies, the smaller ones.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28That would make sense, wouldn't it?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- There's water and fruit here. - That's very kind.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34So please help yourself.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- Sorry, they can't really accept too much, so...- Right.
0:30:38 > 0:30:39..that's very nice of you.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42But as it's not planning protocol
0:30:42 > 0:30:44to accept hospitality on site visits,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Bee's spread goes untouched.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50We refused planning permission...
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- ..for this being here.- Mm-hm. - And yet it's still here.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- Why isn't it knocked down? - It's the use that you refused, not the structures.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01The recommendation for approval comes from the fact of,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03you know, that it is of a small scale.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07I totally understand neighbours' concerns about noise,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09but if we think that's eradicated...
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- The smell is one of the things... - And smell, yeah.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15I think it's well constructed, it's well thought-out.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Whether this is the right place for it, I'm not sure.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Whether the committee would agree with that.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24I have visited this site once before. It was geared up for dogs.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I've still got grave concerns.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- Back on the bus?- Back on the bus.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Do you want to take the water with you? That's the best thing to do.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- Go on, I'll pass it round. - Take it. Take both.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- Thank you.- I've got more indoors. You're welcome.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- OK.- Cheers.- All right.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45In three days the councillors will pass their verdict.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54In Rhyl, North Wales, it's planning committee day.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57The proposal to build a church on this industrial plot
0:31:57 > 0:31:59will finally be ruled on.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02This is a very reliable machine, this.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05You must've had some strange things in the back of that Rascal, though.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Yes, yeah. Including my partner!
0:32:07 > 0:32:10THEY LAUGH
0:32:10 > 0:32:13As an objector, Dougie Parry is entitled to argue his case
0:32:13 > 0:32:15during the committee meeting,
0:32:15 > 0:32:18but has decided to employ a consultant instead.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Will you speak for three minutes at planning committee, Doug?
0:32:21 > 0:32:22- No, I shan't be.- Really?!
0:32:22 > 0:32:26I thought that would've been perfect for you, to come up on stage...
0:32:26 > 0:32:28No, no. That's what I pay my planning...
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- You're going to get Mr Lloyd to do that for you?- Yes.- OK.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35He charges £47 an hour, just to let you know.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Heavens!- Yes. - Well worth it, I'm sure.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Yes!
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Dougie may be throwing money at today's planning committee,
0:32:46 > 0:32:48but the pastor is ready to throw the book at it.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54Just reading a verse this morning in Psalms,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58which - it says, "But as for me, I trust in You, oh Lord,
0:32:58 > 0:33:02"I say, 'You are my God,' my times are in your hands."
0:33:02 > 0:33:05And on top of that, I think it's BSC 12,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08the document in their accepted planning policy.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09We tick every single box.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13However, planner Paul Mead
0:33:13 > 0:33:17is recommending refusal for the application.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21The case that the reverend's put forward is quite strong
0:33:21 > 0:33:24in relation to the social cohesion that might be
0:33:24 > 0:33:26brought by his particular use of this site
0:33:26 > 0:33:28but, fundamentally,
0:33:28 > 0:33:32God hasn't provided a lot of jobs in Rhyl over the last few years,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36and I think it's jobs that we really need on this particular site.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Paul may have recommended refusal to the planning committee members,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49but when voting time comes they're free to overturn his recommendation
0:33:49 > 0:33:51and approve the scheme.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Should the three Welsh-speaking councillors
0:33:53 > 0:33:55decide to take part in the debate today
0:33:55 > 0:34:00an interpreter and £35,000 worth of equipment
0:34:00 > 0:34:02is ready to spring into action.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03This has two channels.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06That's too difficult for most punters.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Right? It's a lot, lot easier than learning Welsh.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15I think that the batteries are charged, I think it'll all work.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- Turn it round.- Turn it round.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19FEEDBACK
0:34:22 > 0:34:26All members working? Please could you show.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29First to speak is Dougie's planning consultant.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Thank you, chair.- You can have three minutes, thank you.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36First and foremost he's asked me to fully endorse the officer's report
0:34:36 > 0:34:39to provide and protect a range of employment sites
0:34:39 > 0:34:41across the county and within Rhyl.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45So, we request you refuse planning permission.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Pastor Bettany now has a chance to convert the councillors.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53We've been looking for new premises for almost four years
0:34:53 > 0:34:56because we've outgrown the building we're in.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59We want to employ children's workers and leaders.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04We want to develop our youth ministry and take on full-time staff.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06The day centre for the elderly will require staff.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09The children's suite for parents and toddlers, preschool playgroup,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12it requires staff.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15The pastor hopes that his intention to create jobs
0:35:15 > 0:35:18will make up for the loss of an industrial site.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Before the vote, councillors Pat Jones and Margaret McCarroll
0:35:22 > 0:35:24have requested to speak.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26During their 18 years of friendship
0:35:26 > 0:35:30they always discussed difficult decisions and voted the same way.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34The present day needs of our community, I'm sorry to say,
0:35:34 > 0:35:37are actually more demanding than ever,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40so the services for this church will be ever more in demand,
0:35:40 > 0:35:45so for those reasons I support the application
0:35:45 > 0:35:48against the wishes of the officers. Thank you for your time.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Me and Margaret never disagree on something.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58But we so need jobs for our young people.
0:35:58 > 0:35:59So, reluctantly,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01on this particular site,
0:36:01 > 0:36:05I'm going to go with the officer's recommendation for refusal.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13The proposed church aims to promote social cohesion,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17but has already broken up a formidable political alliance.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20OK, thank you, chair, we're going to go to the vote now.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24It's going to be "plus" to grant, and it will be "minus" to refuse.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27All vote now, please.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31In most councils the vote happens with a show of hands,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34but in Denbighshire councillors vote with their fingers.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43OK, members, the application is refused.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Five councillors agreed with Margaret,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50but overwhelmingly 14 agreed with Pat,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53which means that Pastor Bettany will have to keep looking
0:36:53 > 0:36:54for the promised plot of land.
0:36:56 > 0:37:02It's quite astounding that such an act has just taken place.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05It's ludicrous. Absolutely ludicrous.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08PAUL: I think members were quite clear in their views
0:37:08 > 0:37:10based on the policies that we've got,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12and they weren't going to deviate too much from that.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18That's always been industrial. And you want jobs for the young people.
0:37:18 > 0:37:19There's no jobs.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23And he can't guarantee us that it's going to employ 18 people.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26He just cannot guarantee that.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31For objector Dougie Parry, it's money well spent.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Hi, great news!
0:37:36 > 0:37:39I've got no grudge against the guy at all.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Maybe he had a calling to this area,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44but obviously this area's not calling to him.
0:37:44 > 0:37:45Bless him.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51The pastor is now considering selling the plot
0:37:51 > 0:37:55and buying this disused hotel to convert into a church.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05In Broxbourne,
0:38:05 > 0:38:08the decision on Steve Gumble's retrospective planning application
0:38:08 > 0:38:11for his house is imminent.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16The outcome will determine his future way of life.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18If this planning application does fail,
0:38:18 > 0:38:22it would mean that I haven't got the security to carry on the business.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25I don't want to sign on the dole, I don't want a council house.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27There's nothing wrong with them, fine.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30This is how I want to be living - in the woods.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Steve's business has been the deciding factor
0:38:35 > 0:38:39for planner Andy while coming up with his recommendation.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44The creation of a dwelling on such sites is objectionable in principle
0:38:44 > 0:38:48but all the information from Mr Gumble
0:38:48 > 0:38:51has overcome my initial concerns which I raised.
0:38:51 > 0:38:57And now I'm pretty comfortable in recommending an approval.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02I think there is the special situation
0:39:02 > 0:39:07that he needs to live there 24/7 while charcoal is produced.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11But the council's senior planning officers and two councillors
0:39:11 > 0:39:14have to be consulted before a final decision is taken.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20They will now scrutinise Andy's recommendation
0:39:20 > 0:39:23to approve the application.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25So he's put forward reasons as to why he believes
0:39:25 > 0:39:28he should be allowed to occupy the site.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Now the management of the charcoal-making process -
0:39:31 > 0:39:35it's a single kiln, it's got to be kept to the right temperature
0:39:35 > 0:39:40and monitored, both for the production of good quality charcoal,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42but also for safety.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- Clearly that needs his...- Yes.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48- ..attention on site throughout that process.- OK.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51The next question is, is it a viable business?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Yeah.- Um, and does it have a future?
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Yeah. He has submitted accounts.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02In 2009-10, achieved a turnover of £65,000.
0:40:02 > 0:40:08This reduced to 57,700 in the years 10-11.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11£800 was made from the charcoal business.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14I say in my report, the sales fluctuate,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17and the majority is coming from the timber frame element
0:40:17 > 0:40:18of the business.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21The charcoal business is very much a sideline, isn't it?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24The primary business is the timber frame...
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- Certainly the primary business is timber framing.- ..work.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28Um...
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Well, it's tricky, this, isn't it?
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Because we can't have a precedent where we're just allowing
0:40:34 > 0:40:37anybody to come in and put up a kiln,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39burn that a couple of times
0:40:39 > 0:40:42and then claim that as a reason for a house in the countryside.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- So we've got to look at the whole business in the round.- Yeah.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48OK.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52With the planners and the councillors debating,
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Steve is on his way to the council to find out their verdict.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00The ideal result today would be full consent
0:41:00 > 0:41:03with no silly conditions.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07But hopefully this will be the day when it's sorted out.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Behind closed doors, the panel is about to reach a decision.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17I think it needs to be made clear to Mr Gumble
0:41:17 > 0:41:20that if the business discontinues, the house goes.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25- Yes.- If the business becomes unviable, the house goes.- Yes.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28If the business changes, and so it's no longer a rural business,
0:41:28 > 0:41:29the house goes.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- So, on that basis, everyone OK?- Yeah.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33Yeah.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37The council has decided to monitor Steve's business,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40and will only allow him to live in his cabin for three years.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- Morning, sir. How are you doing? - You all right?- Yeah, good.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47When this time is up, he will have to reapply for planning permission.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50It's planner Andy's job to break the news.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- So, basically, we had our delegated meeting.- Right.
0:41:54 > 0:42:01What we've decided to do is to grant a three year temporary permission.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04I know it's not what you were hoping for when you first applied...
0:42:04 > 0:42:07No, I've made it clear from the start that I need permanency now,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09after eight years,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11so obviously I'm going to have to go away and think about it.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- Yeah, thank you very much. - Cheers. Bye-bye.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Heat of the moment, I don't think he was overly happy.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22But hopefully he'll go away today and have a think about it
0:42:22 > 0:42:25and realise actually it is quite a good result for him.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29You don't get houses in the green belt very easily.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31I want a permanent position,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34and for the council to want to have to control me and my business
0:42:34 > 0:42:36is just not tenable.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37It's just not good enough.
0:42:37 > 0:42:42I've asked for full permission, and after eight years...
0:42:42 > 0:42:47legally, morally, you name it, I think I've got a right to be there.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Else I wouldn't have started doing it.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Steve isn't giving up his fight for permanency
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and has now appealed against the council's decision.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Morning, Andy. The saga continues, mate, I'm afraid.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01I'm going to be 90 by the time this is over.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Back in Cheshire, businessman Nigel Gilding
0:43:10 > 0:43:13is campaigning against the proposed construction of a holiday village
0:43:13 > 0:43:15with outdoor hot tubs
0:43:15 > 0:43:18among the ancient trees of Delamere Forest.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22That was at the weekend, that.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25There were loads of horse lorries and boxes came in at the weekend.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Won't be quite the same with holiday lodges in it, will it?
0:43:28 > 0:43:30The people in the hot tub may be having a fun ride,
0:43:30 > 0:43:32have you thought about that?
0:43:35 > 0:43:39Nigel's come to the council offices to hand the fruits of his campaign
0:43:39 > 0:43:42to the planner in charge of this application.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44The petition is there.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Exhaustively collected by volunteers.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50It's a pretty big document, really.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54Nigel's petition used up a tenth of a tree in paper.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56He's hoping that it will convince the planner
0:43:56 > 0:43:57to recommend refusal.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59I sincerely apologise for being so late,
0:43:59 > 0:44:03and I know your time's limited, so I want to just be very quick.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06That'll keep me busy, won't it?
0:44:06 > 0:44:08Nigel may be proud of his petition,
0:44:08 > 0:44:10but size, in planning, isn't everything.
0:44:12 > 0:44:13Numbers are an issue,
0:44:13 > 0:44:16but what we're bothered about is what the issues are.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18We're bothered about what the planning matters are.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20Not just numbers of residents.
0:44:20 > 0:44:24And in here we've got very few actual comments, unfortunately.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26They're just signatures. So...
0:44:28 > 0:44:32When Adrian's recommendation comes in,
0:44:32 > 0:44:34it's not the highlight of Nigel's day.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37The planner has recommended approval.
0:44:38 > 0:44:39Yeah.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42I've had my orange pen and my pink pen out.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46My orange pen highlights certain aspects of it I'd look further into,
0:44:46 > 0:44:50and pink ones are ones where I think it's a load of old rubbish.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53And as you can see, there's a little bit of pink on every page, really.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57A lot of work's gone into raising our objections,
0:44:57 > 0:45:03and it's not had much of a bearing, really, on what's what.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06So my faith in local democracy has been knocked somewhat.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10The planner believes that the holiday village
0:45:10 > 0:45:13will generate the income Delamere needs to survive,
0:45:13 > 0:45:16and that the development won't spoil the enjoyment of the forest
0:45:16 > 0:45:18for the local population.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26But the people in charge of making the ultimate decision
0:45:26 > 0:45:29are the nine elected members of the strategic planning committee.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34Norman, do we have any sweets coming round the bus?
0:45:34 > 0:45:37- I haven't brought any sweets today. - Aw.
0:45:37 > 0:45:42This special body includes a farmer, a rock salt producer
0:45:42 > 0:45:44and a quality manager in an arms company.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47It only meets when a planning application
0:45:47 > 0:45:49threatens to change the borough dramatically.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54This is one of the interesting aspects of planning,
0:45:54 > 0:45:56is that you have the opportunity to...
0:45:56 > 0:45:59to put your nose in!
0:46:03 > 0:46:06Can I ask what facility arrangements they've got?
0:46:06 > 0:46:08Are they in the cabins?
0:46:08 > 0:46:10- Are you talking about the toilet facilities?- The toilets, yes.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14This is the height of luxury, Norman. This is the whole nine yards.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- It's toilet, showers, everything you need in a...- Hot tub.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20Hot tubs on the verandas with certain ones.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23What do you think? Hot tubs in the forest.
0:46:23 > 0:46:29Well, it reminds me of some experiences I've had in California.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36But Nigel believes he's unearthed something
0:46:36 > 0:46:40that will force the councillors to refuse this application.
0:46:40 > 0:46:42There's a pipeline runs through here.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44It's full of aviation fuel,
0:46:44 > 0:46:47that runs from Stanlow to Manchester Airport
0:46:47 > 0:46:48to fuel the jets.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51So, it's beneath here, and it runs down.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53We've got - and I don't know the exact distance -
0:46:53 > 0:46:57somewhere round about 70 or 80m away you've got the nearest lodge.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01The danger is that the pipeline explodes.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03You've got 300 people, children and dogs included,
0:47:03 > 0:47:06sat having a cup of tea in a lodge nearby.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09Have you ever thrown a Christmas tree on a bonfire?
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Blooming 'eck. It's just crying out for a disaster, isn't it?
0:47:15 > 0:47:19Nigel thinks that planner Adrian has overlooked the pipeline issue,
0:47:19 > 0:47:23and he intends to publicly expose him at planning committee.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26All my reading, and I've done a lot of reading,
0:47:26 > 0:47:29cos I don't want to make myself look a fool,
0:47:29 > 0:47:32all my reading says that this is a showstopper.
0:47:34 > 0:47:35When the committee understands
0:47:35 > 0:47:38how important the information is on this pipeline,
0:47:38 > 0:47:40your time's up, boy.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49200 miles south, in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire,
0:47:49 > 0:47:52plans to turn a back garden into a hotel for cats, rabbits
0:47:52 > 0:47:56and guinea pigs are about to be debated by the planning committee.
0:47:58 > 0:48:0113 elected councillors from all walks of life
0:48:01 > 0:48:03will be voting on this application.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08Planner Rob Webster will be there to keep them on a tight leash.
0:48:08 > 0:48:10They can be unpredictable.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13There are reasons for refusal from councillors
0:48:13 > 0:48:15that you never saw coming,
0:48:15 > 0:48:18but, you know, we still have officers here on the night
0:48:18 > 0:48:21to give them a little bit of advice.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23Can't fault those right angles, can you?
0:48:25 > 0:48:28This is applicant Bee Hopkins's second appearance
0:48:28 > 0:48:30at a planning committee in 12 months.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33Her plan to run kennels last year was turned down.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39She has the support of her best friends and of her son, Zane.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44But first to speak will be next-door neighbour Larry Shannon
0:48:44 > 0:48:48on behalf of Doreen and four other objectors.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53I'm against this application as I see no need for a change of use.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55We already have foxes and rats in the area,
0:48:55 > 0:48:58and I feel this would only make the situation of vermin
0:48:58 > 0:49:00in the neighbourhood worse.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03It should also be noted that, due to the council only collecting
0:49:03 > 0:49:05household food waste every two weeks,
0:49:05 > 0:49:09we already have smells and flies in the area.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12I feel cats' and any other animal waste would only add to this.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15I thank the committee for listening to me.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21It's now time for Bee to defend herself.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29I note that the one concern,
0:49:29 > 0:49:33the one reason why I was turned down last time,
0:49:33 > 0:49:37was the potential for noise, and for that alone.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40There is no noise now.
0:49:40 > 0:49:45The cats that I have are in pens, and there is no noise being emitted.
0:49:45 > 0:49:49I hear what Mr Shannon says about the smells and the vermin
0:49:49 > 0:49:53and everything else, and as far as I'm concerned I'm very hygienic,
0:49:53 > 0:49:55so there should be no problem
0:49:55 > 0:49:58with any guinea pig bedding or any cat litter.
0:49:59 > 0:50:01Thank you.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03APPLAUSE
0:50:09 > 0:50:11There will be noise and smell.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14Cats are smelly, cat faeces is very, very smelly,
0:50:14 > 0:50:17and I think the members here should take that into consideration.
0:50:18 > 0:50:20I don't know whether I should declare an interest -
0:50:20 > 0:50:22this application is for nine animals.
0:50:22 > 0:50:26Well, when I lived in Church Lane I had two cats, a dog, two ducks...
0:50:26 > 0:50:27LAUGHTER
0:50:27 > 0:50:29..and a wife.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32And I didn't need planning permission for that,
0:50:32 > 0:50:33and I think this application is...
0:50:33 > 0:50:37She's done her utmost to do the decent thing,
0:50:37 > 0:50:41to cut out noise and things like that, and I move the recommendation.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43APPLAUSE
0:50:43 > 0:50:47Bee's plans have convinced one animal-loving councillor,
0:50:47 > 0:50:50but she needs at least six more votes in favour.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52Can I ask for a show of hands?
0:50:55 > 0:50:57Anyone against?
0:50:59 > 0:51:00The motion's carried.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07The committee has approved Bee's luxury pet hotel.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10I'm going home.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12- Just very quickly, Doreen...- No.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14Just very, very quickly, how are you feeling?
0:51:14 > 0:51:16Rotten.
0:51:17 > 0:51:18I won!
0:51:19 > 0:51:22We've won. We've won!
0:51:22 > 0:51:26It's been tough. I felt like I was some kind of criminal.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28I used to come out of my home
0:51:28 > 0:51:30feeling like I'd crawled out from under a stone,
0:51:30 > 0:51:33because everyone would be, "Shh-shh," you now?
0:51:33 > 0:51:36And it was - it felt very much cloak and dagger,
0:51:36 > 0:51:38and it shouldn't be like that.
0:51:38 > 0:51:43But now, you know... Perseverance, perseverance, definitely.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54The new wave of holiday villages sweeping through Britain's forests
0:51:54 > 0:51:57could soon come to Delamere in Cheshire.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01Soon to be invaded by holiday cabins like triffids.
0:52:01 > 0:52:0370 hot tubs bubbling away.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05Delightful(!)
0:52:05 > 0:52:07There, it'll be. Yeah.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10Bikini Brenda in her hot tub will be there.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12With a glass of champagne in her hand.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14Nothing wrong with champagne.
0:52:16 > 0:52:17Defending Delamere
0:52:17 > 0:52:22has been businessman Nigel Gilding's obsession for the last 12 months.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24That's all Delamere planning stuff.
0:52:24 > 0:52:31Research of presentations, letters, DEFRA, the whole lot...
0:52:31 > 0:52:33But the culmination of his campaigning
0:52:33 > 0:52:36will be his speech at tomorrow's planning committee.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40Two minutes 57.3 seconds!
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Or thereabouts.
0:52:42 > 0:52:43And it reads...
0:52:43 > 0:52:44"Committee members,
0:52:44 > 0:52:47"I would like to draw your attention to page 40 of the..."
0:52:47 > 0:52:49Nigel's battle plan is to prove
0:52:49 > 0:52:52that the planner has failed to give due notice
0:52:52 > 0:52:56to the Health and Safety Executive about a major fuel pipeline
0:52:56 > 0:52:58running next to the proposed cabins.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00There's been a major short cut taken,
0:53:00 > 0:53:04and it's a short cut that can affect public safety.
0:53:04 > 0:53:08And I can't see the circumstances where any member of that committee,
0:53:08 > 0:53:12listening to what I have to say tomorrow,
0:53:12 > 0:53:15can approve that planning application tomorrow.
0:53:15 > 0:53:21To me, what I've got there is cast iron,
0:53:21 > 0:53:25concrete proof that it can't be approved tomorrow.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27They may not hear anybody else.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31They may just say, "Let's just stop here, there's no point continuing."
0:53:31 > 0:53:33I'll pop a shirt and a jacket on tomorrow.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35Yeah.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Been saving me shave up for tomorrow.
0:53:45 > 0:53:50As Nigel drives to committee, he's taken care of every detail.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52- BLEEP- no bloody fuel.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59Nigel's supporters file in with their own pieces of paper,
0:53:59 > 0:54:02but their hopes rest on one A4 sheet
0:54:02 > 0:54:05bearing their leader's finely crafted argument.
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Well, we all like to win, don't we?
0:54:08 > 0:54:10It's nice to be vindicated.
0:54:11 > 0:54:12Let battle commence.
0:54:14 > 0:54:19Nigel's lived and breathed planning regulations for 12 months.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22He's now ready to beat the planner at his own game,
0:54:22 > 0:54:24and put a premature end to this meeting.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30Committee members, you have an opportunity today
0:54:30 > 0:54:34to defend Delamere, and prevent its gradual erosion to which this
0:54:34 > 0:54:36proposal would no doubt lead.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39The hazardous aviation fuel pipeline makes this decision easy
0:54:39 > 0:54:42for committee members, as the legal requirement
0:54:42 > 0:54:45for 21 days' notice period to the HSE has not been observed.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48Therefore, the content of the original officer's report
0:54:48 > 0:54:49should be seen as inaccurate.
0:54:49 > 0:54:51No approval can be given today.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54Thank you. APPLAUSE
0:54:57 > 0:54:59Planner Adrian now has to defend himself.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04For those that don't understand, I'll try and explain it quickly.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Should you be minded to approve this application this afternoon,
0:55:07 > 0:55:10the application would be referred to the HSE
0:55:10 > 0:55:13to see whether they feel it's appropriate to call the matter in.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16You can't... I'm sorry, you can't approve.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19- Excuse me.- OK.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21- It is technically wrong. - Excuse me.
0:55:21 > 0:55:22APPLAUSE
0:55:23 > 0:55:25Can I finish, Chair?
0:55:25 > 0:55:29Nigel may have popular support in his bid to save the forest,
0:55:29 > 0:55:32but it looks like he's been barking up the wrong tree.
0:55:32 > 0:55:33Excuse me.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35Please, carry on.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38To be precise, members, you are minded to approve
0:55:38 > 0:55:42the application, should you do that, it then goes to the HSE.
0:55:42 > 0:55:47If they are happy it is acceptable, as we feel will be the case,
0:55:47 > 0:55:48then the decision would stand.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52- Thank you, Chair.- Thank you.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55Planner Adrian has followed the correct procedure.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58The Health and Safety Executive will be notified,
0:55:58 > 0:56:02but only after councillors have decided if they want to approve
0:56:02 > 0:56:04the holiday village application.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07All those in favour please show.
0:56:10 > 0:56:11Eight.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14Against?
0:56:15 > 0:56:18Clearly carried. Thank you.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20Shame on you all.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26An overwhelming majority has voted in favour of the log cabins.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29But Nigel still thinks he knows best.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32Well, that wasn't... It was nothing, was it?
0:56:32 > 0:56:33It was just a total sham.
0:56:33 > 0:56:37They've believed what they've been told by Mr Crowther.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40Factually incorrect information
0:56:40 > 0:56:42that everybody falls for, hook, line and sinker.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45There's been no robust testing of anything.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47They've all just rolled over and died.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50It's incredible. Absolutely phenomenal.
0:56:51 > 0:56:52- Well done, Nige.- BLEEP.
0:56:56 > 0:56:58We like a good debate in planning,
0:56:58 > 0:57:00and we like the issues batted about.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02The adrenaline flows in that situation,
0:57:02 > 0:57:04and whilst there are times when it's tough,
0:57:04 > 0:57:07that's the endgame, isn't it?
0:57:08 > 0:57:10I don't doubt they'll start digging tomorrow.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12Press a green button, and they'll be there.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15I wonder who I complain to about that, if that happens?
0:57:17 > 0:57:18Not the local council, that's for sure,
0:57:18 > 0:57:20cos they won't give a toss.
0:57:23 > 0:57:25But unexpectedly,
0:57:25 > 0:57:28the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
0:57:28 > 0:57:30has called in this application,
0:57:30 > 0:57:33as he thinks it may conflict with national policies.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37A public inquiry will be held before a new decision is made.
0:57:37 > 0:57:41For now, the future of Delamere Forest is still undecided.
0:57:42 > 0:57:44Next time...
0:57:44 > 0:57:47No to the student village!
0:57:47 > 0:57:51..Chester residents revolt over plans to build on green belt.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54I think it's time to move the bus, if you don't mind.
0:57:54 > 0:57:58I don't believe this council. I'm not voting next time.
0:57:59 > 0:58:01Plans to extend a children's home
0:58:01 > 0:58:03creates a moral dilemma for councillors.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05It's extremely difficult,
0:58:05 > 0:58:08because the children's interests have to be considered, as well.
0:58:08 > 0:58:12And can residents get this business closed down?
0:58:12 > 0:58:15I get really annoyed - this isn't an industrial area.
0:58:15 > 0:58:16It's just not on.