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 > 0:00:12- I don't have time for NIMBYs. - No 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 > 0:00:23It's a big project. You're talking about 270 million of economic benefit.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28We like to see enterprise but not on our doorstep.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29So developers are cashing in.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Of course I'm here to make a buck. Guilty as charged.
0:00:33 > 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 > 0:00:40- Disgusting.- Totally stitched up.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45I'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 > 0:00:50I can't sit on the fence.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It's not a fence, it's railings, basically.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Tonight, residents and councillors clash over a development.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- Excuse me, not another word. - What are you going to do?
0:01:05 > 0:01:08You can't explain everything until the morning.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11A veteran has a plan to help heroes.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14There are men and women in fox holes shivering from the cold.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16If we can help, we must.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21And will this derelict cottage ever become one family's dream home?
0:01:21 > 0:01:24I have stood over here and done this with my hands,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26as if I'm washing the dishes
0:01:26 > 0:01:28because this is where our sink's going to be.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37There are about 24 million households in the UK.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Studies say that a million more will need to be built
0:01:39 > 0:01:43in the next eight years to keep up with our booming population.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48In the South East, London's rocketing house prices
0:01:48 > 0:01:51are putting enormous pressure on local authorities
0:01:51 > 0:01:53to find land for new homes.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00In Broxbourne, Hertfordshire,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03major site development officer Andy MacDougall deals with
0:02:03 > 0:02:05the borough's most controversial applications.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Definitely a fair weather planner.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13I don't like going outside in the rain. It's never nice.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Faffing about with plans and things.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18And the wind, wind's the other planner's nightmare.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Nice sunny conditions, and I'm all right.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25On his desk is an application to develop land
0:02:25 > 0:02:27at the edge of the town of Hoddesdon.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30The plans have been greeted with stiff opposition.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36As you can see, someone didn't particularly like that.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38On the way back to the car, I'll pick that one up
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and take it off the lamppost. Not doing anyone any good there.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45High Leigh Garden Village is the biggest development in Broxbourne
0:02:45 > 0:02:49for a decade, the fruit of a joint venture between
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Lands Improvement Holdings and developer, Leach Homes.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Proposed here is a mixed use development
0:02:57 > 0:03:00comprising up to 535 houses,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04with a school in a central location, we have a hotel, a gym
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and a restaurant as well as a local shop.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10It is a big development. You can see the size of it.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13That is, in effect, half of the site.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Down here on the other side of the subway,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18we'll be visiting the other half of the site.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22If the development goes ahead, nearly 100 acres of green belt land
0:03:22 > 0:03:25will be lost to make way for the new scheme.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30While green belt is very heavily protected,
0:03:30 > 0:03:35in exceptional circumstances, housing can be allowed in a green belt.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41Now, I think many residents see the green belt as, simply, a no-go area.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44I'm expecting a large amount of letters from the residents
0:03:44 > 0:03:46in that corner over there.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Clearly, they've got, at the moment unrestricted views
0:03:49 > 0:03:51of open countryside.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Their views will be of a housing estate.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Clearly, they will have a view on that.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Ben, get here!
0:04:02 > 0:04:05For Hoddesdon residents, Sharon and Jock Taylor,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08the proposed building site holds special significance.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09We used to have great fun over here
0:04:09 > 0:04:12when we were youngsters, didn't we, when we first met each other?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15She was a bit of a tiger girl, weren't you?
0:04:16 > 0:04:18I was a young stag then, wasn't I?
0:04:18 > 0:04:20And she was a young hind.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- Now I'm an old stag and she's an old hind now.- Speak for yourself!
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Ex-gamekeeper Jock and wife Sharon
0:04:28 > 0:04:32are fighting the development, and it's not just their mating habitat
0:04:32 > 0:04:34they're trying to defend.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35If you look at the bank over there,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38there's big badger earths over there. Out!
0:04:40 > 0:04:42How can they bulldoze that up?
0:04:42 > 0:04:46That's going to be bulldozed up. Where are them badgers going to go?
0:04:46 > 0:04:50Straight across to the motorway. The other side of the bank is absolutely alive with badger earths.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Houses are more important than wildlife.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55They're going to make millions out of them houses,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57they're not going to make millions out of them.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01That's the way society is today. Wildlife comes second.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04This is their kingdom, leave it alone.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07The removal of badger caves
0:05:07 > 0:05:10has to be authorised by government agency, Natural England,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12before any building can start.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15But nature lovers, Jock and Sharon, have lodged a full objection
0:05:15 > 0:05:18with the planners hoping that they will recommend an outright refusal
0:05:18 > 0:05:20for the scheme.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25But for residents of the converted farm buildings
0:05:25 > 0:05:28on the other side of the field, there will be no such luxury.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31We received a letter
0:05:31 > 0:05:34from the landowners.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37This particular letter was horrible,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39telling us they have covenance against us
0:05:39 > 0:05:44and therefore we are not allowed to object to anything
0:05:44 > 0:05:46that's going to be built.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Pam and Daryk Armfield bought their current house ten years ago
0:05:52 > 0:05:54when the barns were converted.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58And with all 12 fellow residents of the barns,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01they signed deeds with a clause that forbids them
0:06:01 > 0:06:03from objecting to any future development.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08They're trying to get all of us in these houses here
0:06:08 > 0:06:10to back off and make no objection.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12I think that's their intention.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14They know there's an awful lot of adverse reaction
0:06:14 > 0:06:18from these houses and from the group of properties around here.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22With no response from the developer it's left to planner, Andy,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25to put their side of the story.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Having previously been a planning consultant for the private sector,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31these clauses aren't particularly uncommon.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33While I can understand them being upset,
0:06:33 > 0:06:37I think there's both sides to every story.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42It's there very clearly on the deeds.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45I think the residents would have been well aware of that situation
0:06:45 > 0:06:47when they were buying the properties.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Andy now has eight weeks to come up with his recommendation.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59Ever since this, large developers are on the same sort of level
0:06:59 > 0:07:00as bankers for me.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02We've just been silenced.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05We're talking to you now, and all the time, I'm thinking,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07I wonder if they'll have some clever legal guy
0:07:07 > 0:07:09that's going to get round this and sue us?
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- We've been hammered.- Yeah.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Hundreds of years ago, as Britain's road network grew and developed,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31so did too did thousands of roadside inns,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33the ancestors of the modern pub.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38There are now 45,000 pubs in Britain,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40but their number has been declining steadily
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and 26 are now closing every week.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47So, the pub quiz for today. Where are we going?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Aha! We're going to a pub.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Stroud's head planner, Phil Skill, is driving to the village of Stonehouse
0:07:53 > 0:07:57where it's the last call for 120-year-old Spa Inn.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Planners are among the first to arrive on the scene
0:08:02 > 0:08:03when a pub closes.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07We've got an application here for a conversion
0:08:07 > 0:08:10of the public house into a residence.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Two more buildings on the car park.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Two pairs of semi-detached houses.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21The current tenant is due to leave in two months.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23The pub's owner, Wadworth Brewery,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25is struggling to find a new landlord
0:08:25 > 0:08:27and so decided to apply for housing.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31I'm the town planner, it's my job to decide what happens.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Oh, is it?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Do you want any ice?- No, thanks.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40The Spa was a country pub for most of its existence.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43In the past 30 years, however,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46an industrial estate has been built around it.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51Since 2000, sales are down by 60%.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55If there aren't enough sales, at some point
0:08:55 > 0:08:59the owners are going to say, enough's enough.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02From our conversations with the brewery, they have spent
0:09:02 > 0:09:06a lot of time and effort trying to keep the pub alive and operational.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10They've subsidised it to some extent, but you come to a point
0:09:10 > 0:09:13where do you stop putting money into something
0:09:13 > 0:09:15which is never going to go anywhere?
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Or do you say, enough's enough and we need to move on?
0:09:24 > 0:09:29It's a shame that planning people can't see beyond money things,
0:09:29 > 0:09:34that you've got to have a community to make life worth living.
0:09:34 > 0:09:3767-year-old objector Liz Kennedy
0:09:37 > 0:09:40is one of the last remaining regulars at the Spa.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44She's lived behind it with her husband Dave for 25 years.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Excuse the windows. I don't clean them very often.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50You'll have a job seeing out through there, won't you?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52It's such a shame.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55The lorry drivers used to call there for meals in the evening
0:09:55 > 0:09:57so there were people around there.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00People off the trading estate came round at lunch time.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01It was more alive then.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04There we go.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Liz herself is a retired lorry driver.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10When she's not at a motorbike rally, she's getting ready for one.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14We all get together and put our tents up
0:10:14 > 0:10:18and just have fun together.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19A lot of talk goes on.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22I'm a bit old-fashioned, I'm afraid.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25I don't have anything to do with computers, Facebook, Twitter,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28anything like that. I'd rather see people and talk to people.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32That's one of the things we might loose
0:10:32 > 0:10:34if things like village pubs go.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Although the brewery is struggling to find a tenant,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Liz and the pub regulars have asked them not to convert it into a house
0:10:42 > 0:10:45and keep looking for a new landlord.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47If the planners allow the pub to become a house,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49it will be lost for ever.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52I don't mind if the brewery wants to make a bit of money
0:10:52 > 0:10:55and stick a couple of houses up in the car park,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57but please leave the pub alone.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Normally, Wadworth Brewery would jump at the chance
0:11:04 > 0:11:06of keeping the past alive.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10They still deliver to their pubs using shire horses,
0:11:10 > 0:11:15but having owned the 120-year-old Spa Inn since 1991,
0:11:15 > 0:11:17they've decided to give up on it.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20In the last ten years, we've spent in excess
0:11:20 > 0:11:24of £350,000 on the Spa.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30That includes £290,000 in 2006-2007, altering the house,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33increasing the trading area and improving the kitchen
0:11:33 > 0:11:36for it to become a place to go on a Friday, Saturday night
0:11:36 > 0:11:39or Sunday lunch time, you would go to the Spa.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42We tried, but sadly it's not worked.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45The time has come to draw a line under it,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47and we just need to move on.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51At the end of his visit,
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Phil decided to recommend approval for the brewery's application.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59I think, just looking at the financials,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02even if we don't grant a change of use on here, it will close.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06What I've got to do is see what we can do about making sure
0:12:06 > 0:12:09the land is put to a profitable use rather than becoming wasteland,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12just boarded up like so many other pubs.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17The car park's become an area for cars to do doughnuts in.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Is that the sort of area we want?
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Or should the planning system be there to find an acceptable,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26alternative use? I think it's the latter.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32If I got sad at every pub that closed,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36I'd be so dehydrated from tears.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41This one closing may actually make one in Stonehouse survive
0:12:41 > 0:12:43that wouldn't normally have done.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46So one may die to save another.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51But as local residents are objecting to the brewery's application,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54this case will be determined by the elected members
0:12:54 > 0:12:56of Stroud's planning committee.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59They'll meet to consider the application in 48 hours.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12There are 4.5 million veterans of the armed forces in the UK -
0:13:12 > 0:13:15about 7% of the total population.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21In the peaceful Cheshire countryside,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25there are plans to build new facilities for discharged soldiers.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28They're in the hands of planner Steve Holmes.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33This is a proposal for 40 lodges
0:13:33 > 0:13:37all arranged in a regimented fashion.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39It does have the appearance of barracks in some respects.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45Which would comprise a gym, IT suite and other facilities
0:13:45 > 0:13:51which would help ex-servicemen and women reintegrate into civilian life.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56LAST POST SOUNDS
0:13:58 > 0:14:02A charity has started gathering the £3.25 million needed
0:14:02 > 0:14:04to fund the development.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07It's led by 51-year-old army veteran, Joe O'Connor.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10They shall not grow old like we grow old.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15As the sun goes down, we will remember them.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Joe spent 15 years in the military, serving in the Royal Engineers unit,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25where he came very close to losing his life.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33We were on night patrol in the Brecon Beacons
0:14:33 > 0:14:36on a ridge, and it's gale force winds.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40A gust of wind caught me and I hit the ground
0:14:40 > 0:14:42with such an almighty bang.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I got this pain like I was being stabbed in the neck.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50I was there for an hour and a half before the guys got to me.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Paralysed, and with his neck broken in two places,
0:14:56 > 0:15:01Joe was discharged from the army and spent the next eight years in rehab.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07As his recovery progressed he devised the idea of a privately run
0:15:07 > 0:15:11veteran centre where discharged soldiers can recover physically
0:15:11 > 0:15:14while spending time together on camp.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17My friends, my family have supported me.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21And I've got a purpose in life,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24but there are guys who don't feel they have a purpose.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28They don't... They may question why they live.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30That's not right.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Planner Steven has come to visit the site with landscape specialist,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Tim Rogers, to decide if the introduction of 40 lodges
0:15:42 > 0:15:45and a rehabilitation centre in open countryside
0:15:45 > 0:15:47would be acceptable to the council.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52It's important for visual impact to stand on different points around the site
0:15:52 > 0:15:54and have a look at how it would be.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- Do you want to lead, Joe? - Just duck down.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03The field's existing residents will be re-housed
0:16:03 > 0:16:05if the application is approved.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08This is the time to make their representation to the planners.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Oh!
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Don't know if it's worth going back there now
0:16:17 > 0:16:19so that we're being eaten by horses while we talk!
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Having seen the site, Steven's not convinced.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28The key point here is going to be visual impact.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31I think the problem at the moment, it's quite dense.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35It's the building in the centre that had the biggest visual impact.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37It is quite a big building.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Perhaps some people may say it's a monstrous building.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44The density of the lodges is quite an issue as well.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47The planners are worried about the scale of the project.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48It's bad news for Joe.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54If this went in now as it is, would it pass or fail?
0:16:54 > 0:16:58It's going to struggle to get approval as it stands at the moment.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02OK. So, now we have to work on what will.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Generally, our role is to look at what people have submitted
0:17:08 > 0:17:11and try and aid them through the process.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13There are some instances we're helping by saying,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16you're not going to get planning permission for that.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18It's back to the drawing board for Joe.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Stephen will be waiting to receive his revised plans.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30In Broxbourne, Hertfordshire,
0:17:30 > 0:17:35a local developer wants to build 535 houses on green belt land.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39It's been a controversial application.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44And the responsibility for making a recommendation
0:17:44 > 0:17:47rests on the shoulders of planner Andy MacDougall.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50He's been looking for a way to de-stress.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53The planner is firmly at home today.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56This is a kind of a 12 kilometre obstacle course.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00I think if I can survive 12 kilometres in this sort of condition,
0:18:00 > 0:18:04I can survive eight weeks on a highway application. Easy!
0:18:04 > 0:18:05Come on!
0:18:16 > 0:18:20I think if applicants and neighbours saw me doing this,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23their main concern would be, why isn't he in the office
0:18:23 > 0:18:27reading my letter of objection or reading my planning statement
0:18:27 > 0:18:29rather than anything else, I imagine!
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Excellent. Congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Elected members of Broxbourne planning committee
0:18:47 > 0:18:49are also waiting for Andy's decision.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53But due to the controversial nature of the application,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56the council have taken the unusual step of bringing
0:18:56 > 0:19:00the committee for a site visit before the recommendation is issued.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05These councillors include a London taxi driver,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09an ex-market stall holder and the owner of a cleaning company.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12I'm betwixt and between because...
0:19:14 > 0:19:18..we've got to build houses but when I look at these green fields,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21I wonder if I should be advocating building on them?
0:19:23 > 0:19:27If the development goes ahead, Hoddesdon residents,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Jock and Sharon Taylor, stand to lose the field
0:19:30 > 0:19:32they've walked regularly for 30 years.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Everything you can see here at the moment is proposed for houses.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Letters of objections have been flocking to the planners
0:19:40 > 0:19:43but Jock has decided to follow his up with a chat to the councillors.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Have a good look to see what you lot are going to ruin.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Who says we're going to ruin anything? - Putting a housing estate on there?
0:19:52 > 0:19:55No-one said we're going to put housing there.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- What are you all here for then? - Come to have a look.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- You going to look at the countryside?- I love the countryside.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02So do I, mate, so leave it alone.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05If you think you're putting a housing estate on there,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08you're going to have a big fight on your hands.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Excuse me, not another word.- Why's that then? What are you going to do?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15We understand your concerns, but there are a lot of other people
0:20:15 > 0:20:17who need housing as well. It's hard facts.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21I feel now we're boxed in like rabbits now.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26You start putting houses all on the fields, where are we going to run?
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Where can the rabbit run? Nowhere.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32It's a real problem and it's something
0:20:32 > 0:20:36that we have to wrestle with and come up with a solution.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- Thank you.- Bye-bye.- Thanks, bye.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44I don't think there's anything they can do
0:20:44 > 0:20:49to make me feel, yeah, great, we're going to have an housing estate.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53If it does go ahead, we are seriously thinking about moving.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04The 16 weeks planner, Andy, was given to come up
0:21:04 > 0:21:06with a recommendation have passed.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08His verdict is due today.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11But there's a surprise.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14I'm still, as yet, undecided.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20This is potentially 523 houses on a green belt site.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23In applications like this it's important we do have all the facts.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27There's really very little point in rushing a decision like this.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Before he goes to the planning committee
0:21:30 > 0:21:33with his recommendation, Andy wants to know how the scheme will affect
0:21:33 > 0:21:37the highways, whether there will be enough funds to provide
0:21:37 > 0:21:39healthcare facilities for the new residents,
0:21:39 > 0:21:43and what the provisions will be for the new schooling.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44I think it is important
0:21:44 > 0:21:49that we're not having to be forced into making a decision prematurely.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54I am chasing consultees on a regular basis, if not a daily basis.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57So the sooner I can get all of the information I want
0:21:57 > 0:22:00and feel necessary to make a recommendation,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02is the sooner I can make the recommendation.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Andy's recommendation will be made later this year.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Members of the planning committee will then determine
0:22:10 > 0:22:13the High Leigh application.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Meanwhile, the locals can keep enjoying uninterrupted views
0:22:16 > 0:22:18of the countryside.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20There's lots of bits
0:22:20 > 0:22:23before they can even go to committee to say,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26how are we going to resolve this?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28The council have got an awful lot to think about.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32It doesn't matter whether it takes three months, six months or two years,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35the fight will always be there as long as the threat is there.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39If they're threatening to dig up our green belt and countryside
0:22:39 > 0:22:43to put concrete, the fight will always go on, won't it?
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Absolutely.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51The fate of High Leigh Garden Village hangs in the balance.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00In Stonehouse, Gloucestershire,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04the future of this pub will be decided in just 24 hours.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06A brewery wants to turn it into a house
0:23:06 > 0:23:09and build four more houses in the car park.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Deciding whether to allow the development will be the job
0:23:14 > 0:23:16of the 12 members of Stroud's planning committee.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21It may look like a jolly but that is far from the truth.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25These councillors, including a farmer, an ex-maintenance man
0:23:25 > 0:23:28at a nuclear power station, and a retired teacher
0:23:28 > 0:23:32have come to visit the Spa Inn before they make their decision.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37What attempt has been made to disprove the fact
0:23:37 > 0:23:39that it's not a working pub?
0:23:39 > 0:23:43The brewery haven't been charging rent for quite a few years.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46But it's still working. That's the truth.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48You've got somewhere in the order of 5,000 people.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53This is literally the only immediate community facility.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58Surely there's a community reason for this staying as a pub?
0:23:58 > 0:24:01The economics of it is critical.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03That's what you're going to have to weigh up.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08These 12 members will meet again in 24 hours
0:24:08 > 0:24:10to have the final say on this application.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Retired teacher, Liz Ashton, will be among them.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19CAT MEOWS
0:24:19 > 0:24:21SHE LAUGHS
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Mummy needs to do some work.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Did you know that?
0:24:27 > 0:24:31She was elected as a councillor in 2011 but had to fight
0:24:31 > 0:24:34with the head planner to be allowed onto the committee.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Phil Skill was a little bit concerned at first
0:24:36 > 0:24:40because he felt that I needed more experience at planning,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43but I persuaded him that I have got a lot of experience of life,
0:24:43 > 0:24:46if not planning.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Before retiring, Liz travelled the world,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52teaching in numerous special needs schools.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58These are food covers from Ethiopia.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02The food in Ethiopia is absolutely beautiful.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07The children used to fight with this one, sometimes!
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Yes! It's impressive.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I don't know whether you could do somebody a mischief with it?
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I hope not. I better sheath it up, hadn't I?
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Liz had to fight to win her seat at planning committee.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Tonight she joins it to decide the future of the Spa Inn.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40The planners recommended the pub should be turned into a house.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43But Liz and her colleagues have the power to save it
0:25:43 > 0:25:45when voting time comes.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50First to speak is the brewery's manager, Lloyd Stephens.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Since 2004, 2005, we have seen a steady decline in sales.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00We have struggled to make a sensible or realistic profit.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07The premises have little or no future as a licensed trade outlet.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11We're sorry that a small number of people will not have a pub
0:26:11 > 0:26:16on their doorstep, but unfortunately the Spa Inn cannot continue as is.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Stonehouse resident, John Lavine, is speaking next
0:26:20 > 0:26:22on behalf of the pub's regulars.
0:26:23 > 0:26:29I'd like to appeal to members and officers to reject the application
0:26:29 > 0:26:33for the sake of my marriage, as much as anything else.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37I'm sure there are others who need a refuge from Holby City
0:26:37 > 0:26:42and Downtown Abbey, and some, I'm sure, would argue,
0:26:42 > 0:26:44European football.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49But I think with the right management,
0:26:49 > 0:26:51the Spa can be a success.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Now it's down to the councillors to decide
0:26:56 > 0:26:58whether to save the pub or allow it to become a house.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03I speak as a teetotaller, so I suppose I should declare an interest.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07It does seem to me
0:27:07 > 0:27:13that there is a need for people to get together.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16So I'm not going to vote for the proposal.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I know there are sentimental reasons for keeping these things,
0:27:24 > 0:27:29but I think the applicant have tried everything and it hasn't worked.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34We should be doing everything we can to retain these facilities
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and not be too eager to sell them off at the first application.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42That's why I shan't be supporting this motion. Thank you.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49With Liz proposing to go against the planners recommendation
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and save the pub, the councillors go to the vote.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54All those in favour, please show.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57One, two, three, four.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00All those against, please show.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07With four votes in favour and four against, it's a stalemate.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12May I suggest, council, the item be deferred today
0:28:12 > 0:28:14for further information on marketing.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17That will give the opportunity for a community to consider
0:28:17 > 0:28:20whether or not they wish to take on the asset
0:28:20 > 0:28:24and find the wherewithals to support that.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Head planner, Phil suggests, the decision is delayed
0:28:27 > 0:28:30until the next meeting, hoping that a new landlord would come
0:28:30 > 0:28:33forward before the pub closes for good.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36The one month delay could also provide the objectors
0:28:36 > 0:28:38with a chance to take it over.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44I would like to go with what you are suggesting.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46What you said!
0:28:51 > 0:28:54For now, it's a victory for the pub's regulars.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56The other pubs in Stonehouse still do business.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59I'm sure that the Spa Inn could compete.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02We haven't got together really, but we will the next time.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04We've got another go, haven't we?
0:29:05 > 0:29:09This will give people the opportunity to get together and think about
0:29:09 > 0:29:14whether they want it badly enough to put in the effort that is required.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17If they don't, well...
0:29:17 > 0:29:19That's it, isn't it?
0:29:21 > 0:29:24It's very frustrating. It is a time delay.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27From our point of view, the Spa Inn does not have a future.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44The UK's housing stock is amongst the oldest in Europe.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Nearly a quarter of all houses were built before the World War I.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53In Cheshire, after buying a 120-year-old cottage,
0:29:53 > 0:29:57a young couple is in the middle of a stressful renovation project.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- She's a beacon of calmness.- Don't!
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Eight months ago, Jim and Ceri Rothwell
0:30:04 > 0:30:06bought a cottage in the village of Oakmere
0:30:06 > 0:30:09with the intention of making it their home.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12For Ceri, it was a dream come true.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15We'd always had a mind that we would like to do something like this
0:30:15 > 0:30:18because my other half is quite handy.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21It's everything that we ever wanted.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23A detached property, a lot of land,
0:30:23 > 0:30:27outbuildings and a great big morning room, kitchen area,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29which again, we've got.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34Ceri and Jim's only desired alteration was a small extension
0:30:34 > 0:30:37for which they obtained planning permission.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Then they started the renovation work.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45We wanted to raise the ceilings but to maintain as much as we could
0:30:45 > 0:30:48of the original character of the property.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51But Ceri's dreams were soon shattered.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55What actually happened, when they took the slates off the roof,
0:30:55 > 0:30:59a massive crack formed down the side of the wall here.
0:30:59 > 0:31:05This chimney fell. Part of the gable end fell as well.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09So the actual mortar that was between the stand stone was like chalk.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13It was so crumbly. You could easily have put your finger in it.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16It was obviously very old
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and had not been cared for for quite some time.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24The weather had gotten to it and had caused it to perish.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Tell Mummy, where is our house? It's outside, isn't it?
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Since the old cottage fell down, the Rothwells have been living
0:31:32 > 0:31:36in an on site caravan with their children aged four and one.
0:31:36 > 0:31:42All of this side and internally was the existing cottage,
0:31:42 > 0:31:47but really it was this bit that I had my heart set on retaining.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50But sadly, that was the bit that was unsafe.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52It ended up coming down.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57We have been left with this U-shaped piece of original cottage.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01With just a third of the old building left standing,
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Ceri and her husband, Jim, patiently set about rebuilding what fell down,
0:32:05 > 0:32:10convinced that the work would be covered by the planning permission.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13I'm a practical bloke. I'm an engineer by trade.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15It's an extension because I kept some of the existing
0:32:15 > 0:32:18and I've gone to great lengths to keep some of the existing.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25But in Cheshire West and Chester's planning department,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27someone's not so sure.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30In order for it to be classed as an extension,
0:32:30 > 0:32:34there really has to be a house there to extend.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39I don't think you could call three remaining walls a house, really.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42You'd find it very difficult to live in that.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46For planning development manager Nial Casselden,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49the rebuilding works aren't permitted in this case.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54There's a lot of case law and appeal decisions that go back many years,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58debating about what is and isn't a replacement house.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01But in our view, having seen the plans,
0:33:01 > 0:33:05I think we're pretty confident that this really has to be considered
0:33:05 > 0:33:08as a new house that he's building.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14But having already spent £100,000 on the build,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17and keen to get out of their caravan,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Ceri and Jim have decided to press on.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23It would be nice if we had planning permission though.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- You're so irresponsible. - I'm not irresponsible. It's fine. No, it's great.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29It's terribly irresponsible.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Where we are today
0:33:33 > 0:33:35is that we haven't got any plans permitted, as such,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38and we are pressing forward at our own risk.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Which is scary!
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- You do seem fairly relaxed. - It's all the Valium!
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Where developers have ploughed on
0:33:54 > 0:33:58and started doing works without getting planning permission,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00there is always a big risk for them.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03For example, if the roof is too high,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06they might have to tear the roof off and start again.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13With the roof just about to go up,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17Nial has come to visit the Rothwells to tell them that rebuilding works
0:34:17 > 0:34:20aren't covered by the permission to extend.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25What we want to be certain of is that when we do grant permission we grant the right permission,
0:34:25 > 0:34:29so that it corresponds with the actual development taking place.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33That's as much in your interests as it is in ours, really.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34To me, it's semantics.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38I would look at the fact that we have an existing part of the building
0:34:38 > 0:34:40and I would say that if we have any part of the building,
0:34:40 > 0:34:45whether it be just a floor or some walls, then technically, it can be argued,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47if you paid a lawyer enough, that it was an extension.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55I do feel for them because they are living in a caravan
0:34:55 > 0:34:59and probably during the winter it's going to be cold and horrible.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03They just want to get their house finished and get into it.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06But right now, what you see in front of you is unlawful.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09It doesn't have planning permission.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Until you've got that piece of paper in your hand
0:35:11 > 0:35:14that says "planning permission", there's always a risk.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18The only option for Ceri and Jim is to submit a new planning application
0:35:18 > 0:35:22for the rebuilding works and hope that it will satisfy the planners.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26If it doesn't, they face spending the winter in their caravan.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Only ten miles away in Tarporley,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46the planners refuse Joe O'Connor's first proposal to build 40 cabins
0:35:46 > 0:35:50and a rehabilitation centre for army veterans
0:35:50 > 0:35:51in a field behind his house.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Joe has submitted a new proposal,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59cutting down the scheme to 23 log cabins and a reduced rehab centre
0:35:59 > 0:36:01with an eco-friendly green roof.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Planner Steven Holmes has to decide whether he's finally done enough
0:36:06 > 0:36:08for a recommendation to approve.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Our input has been taken on board at virtually every turn.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16The scheme is a pretty good one
0:36:16 > 0:36:20and one that we feel, as officers, happy to support.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27Joe's scheme has the support of the planners,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31but there is an army of councillors who will have the final word on his application
0:36:31 > 0:36:35currently charging towards the proposed building site.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37If they can find it.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41We all live around here and we don't know where it is.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Isn't it on that road?
0:36:45 > 0:36:47We're not going the right way.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51We're going to have fun turning... Is it a left turn here?
0:36:51 > 0:36:54They don't get many people turning left here.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58I've never seen anyone turning left here. This is a first.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00You have now, David!
0:37:00 > 0:37:03We're the first!
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Right, then, this way. We will have to cross the road.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10I don't think that there is a pavement.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Planning development manager Nial Casselden is tour guide for the day.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19These committee members, including a rock salt producer,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22a retired police officer and a farmer, would have the power
0:37:22 > 0:37:26to approve or reject the construction of lodges on Joe's land.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30It would be all of this rectangular field.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Up to that hedgerow there.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36But that is as far as planning can go
0:37:36 > 0:37:40They can't determine who will be using them in the future.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Joe has requested permission for a generic campsite.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46There is no guarantee it will always remain a veteran centre.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50You have to remember, even if this was granted permission,
0:37:50 > 0:37:52it could end up with an entirely different operator.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55It's not necessarily going to be the applicant.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Would we have a holiday camp here?
0:37:59 > 0:38:01And he may say "Yes", I don't know.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13They have obviously given it a lot of consideration and discussed it.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17And taken into account the environment.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21So tomorrow is the big day, really.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25The councillors will meet in 24 hours
0:38:25 > 0:38:27to have the final say on this application.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35Meanwhile, eight local residents have objected to the construction of the veterans' centre,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38fearing it may well become a commercial campsite.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Eveleigh Moore Dutton is the local ward councillor
0:38:43 > 0:38:47and also a member of the planning committee.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49We don't grant planning applications to a person
0:38:49 > 0:38:52or to an organisation, you grant it for a site.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56So sometimes you have to be completely impartial and say,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59what, for the long-term,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01is the best for this area and for the wider community?
0:39:03 > 0:39:06It is a pretty stark dilemma in this case.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09When voting time comes, Eveleigh will have
0:39:09 > 0:39:12to balance the feelings of the community with her own.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17At the moment I have my daughter, who is in the Royal Artillery,
0:39:17 > 0:39:21and she has done three operational tours now.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24And my son is in the Royal Engineers.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29In September, he will be going to help with the withdrawal from Iraq.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32He will be one of the first of those to do nine months.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36I have huge sympathy for anyone who has been in the forces.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42They all go through horrible things,
0:39:42 > 0:39:46even those who come back sound in mind and body.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51And a lot don't. So whatever we can do to help those, we should.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56But we also have our local communities at home we have to care for.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07In Stonehouse, Gloucestershire,
0:40:07 > 0:40:11another community is up in arms trying to save their local pub.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Plans to turn the Spa Inn into a house have been put on hold
0:40:15 > 0:40:19for a month to give its regulars an opportunity to take it over.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23# We're walking down the alleyway, the alleyway, the alleyway
0:40:23 > 0:40:25# Walking down the alleyway
0:40:25 > 0:40:27# Nah, nah, nah. #
0:40:27 > 0:40:31Two more regulars of the Spa Inn have joined the campaign to save their pub.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Wendy Keene and Esther Davey.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36This is the next step.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41We are putting car stickers on.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46Initially, I said 'Save The Spa Inn', but it didn't have the right ring.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50So we thought 'Save Our Spa - SOS'. We need help.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55It's about the whole community and what we see as our local pub.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57- Isn't it?- Yep.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Wendy and Esther have also started a petition
0:41:02 > 0:41:04against the closure of the Spa Inn,
0:41:04 > 0:41:07which they hope will help save their 120-year-old pub.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13They were using it as a spa house before they started selling beer.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16The wells are still there.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- And it was for medicinal purposes, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24But Royalty chose to patronise Cheltenham instead, which is why there's Cheltenham Spa.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28If the king had not gone to Cheltenham it would have been Stonehouse Spa.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32The first landlord was Edward Izzor, from 1890...
0:41:32 > 0:41:34No, no, no!
0:41:36 > 0:41:38From... Are you still filming?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- Yes.- She will edit it.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44From 1891, it was from Edward Izzor, and he ran it until 1903.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- What happened after that? - He fell down the well!
0:41:47 > 0:41:49No, sorry!
0:41:52 > 0:41:55We have become great historians over the last couple of weeks!
0:41:58 > 0:42:01And these campaigners have one more reason to be merry.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08Having heard about their protest, brewery boss Lloyd Stevens
0:42:08 > 0:42:11has decided to facilitate the community bid for the pub
0:42:11 > 0:42:14by offering it to them rent free for a year.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20We have offered the opportunity to take on the Spa on a 12 month rent free basis,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22under the terms of our standard tenancy agreement.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26Their involvement would be to purchase the fixtures and fittings and the stock.
0:42:26 > 0:42:32And at the end of 12 months, we're quite happy to sit down and review the situation with them.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36The community has the chance to run the Spa Inn rent free,
0:42:36 > 0:42:40but accepting Lloyd's offer will still cost them money.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Normally, our tenants require and pay what is termed as initial in-going.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48In terms of how much somebody would need to go into the Spa Inn,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51we are probably talking about £23,000.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58We can't afford to put money into it.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Nobody in Stonehouse has that sort of money.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04We believe that the town council is against the planning permission.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07They have objected.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09Without enough funds of their own,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12the locals have arranged a meeting with Stonehouse Town Council,
0:43:12 > 0:43:14hoping to get financial help.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21Some of us have been exceptionally busy and got a petition.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23How many signatures are we up to now?
0:43:23 > 0:43:25Just over 800.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29Over 800 signatures now. All local people who know the Spa Inn
0:43:29 > 0:43:32and who want to see it remain open as a pub.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36The locals gathered signatures from a tenth of the population
0:43:36 > 0:43:40of Stonehouse, but to save the pub, they now need money.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44We want to get a good outcome for you. We truly do.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47But what I cannot do as the chair of this council
0:43:47 > 0:43:52is to commit public money to support a private enterprise.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56There are a lot of hard working activists desperately trying to save it
0:43:56 > 0:43:59but what you need is somebody with deep pockets
0:43:59 > 0:44:01and a big community heart.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05The problem is, we are struggling to find that person to come forward.
0:44:06 > 0:44:08The Town Council is unable to help.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12Time to look for another solution.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15We can all chip in £20, but I don't think it will get us far.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19- Shall we reconvene? - Yes, reconvene to the pub.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25The objectors are going for a drink, just not at the Spa Inn.
0:44:25 > 0:44:30If they want it reopened, they have just 20 days left to find £23,000.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45150 miles to the north, in Chester,
0:44:45 > 0:44:49the planning committee have assembled to decide whether to allow
0:44:49 > 0:44:51the construction of a rehabilitation centre
0:44:51 > 0:44:54for army veterans in the village of Tarporley.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58Applicant Joe O'Connor has brought his family along for moral support.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01You look very relaxed, Joe.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05Never let the enemy see you're frightened.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08This is a full planning application for the erection
0:45:08 > 0:45:13of 23 wooden accommodation chalets, a central amenity building
0:45:13 > 0:45:17and two smaller structures which would be by the site entrance.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21Joe's scheme has the backing of the planners.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25Now, he has to persuade the councillors to let him build it.
0:45:25 > 0:45:31Whatever your political opinions, you cannot failed to be moved by the heroism of our British military.
0:45:31 > 0:45:36While we debate the rights and wrongs of war, there are men and women in foxholes shivering from the cold,
0:45:36 > 0:45:38uncertain if they will live.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42Of course, some don't. But for those that do, the hell is only just beginning.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45And if we can help, we must.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49Sanctuary of the Veterans will help replace their negative feelings
0:45:49 > 0:45:51with a positive attitude and a new optimism for life.
0:45:51 > 0:45:56Henry Ford said, "If you think you can or you think you can't, either way you're right."
0:45:57 > 0:46:00Let's show our injured veterans that they can.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03That journey starts right here, right now. Thank you.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06Before the councillors debate the plans,
0:46:06 > 0:46:08parish council leader Cora Cowop
0:46:08 > 0:46:10speaks on behalf of the eight objectors.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14Whilst the intended use of the site would seem charitable and well meaning,
0:46:14 > 0:46:18our understanding is that no supporting evidence has been provided
0:46:18 > 0:46:22to demonstrate the need or to show that this is an appropriate location.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28Once approved, the lodges could be legally used
0:46:28 > 0:46:31to accommodate any member of the public, not just veterans.
0:46:31 > 0:46:36Deciding whether or not to approve Joe's plans is also a matter of trust.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40All we would be giving planning permission for would be for holiday cottages
0:46:40 > 0:46:44and the thing could be sold on to anybody
0:46:44 > 0:46:49and it may not be occupied by servicemen in the future.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54Eveleigh Moore Dutton is the ward member for Tarporley.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56Two of her children are in the army.
0:46:56 > 0:47:02Is there any means by which we can ensure that any permission that is given,
0:47:02 > 0:47:08should it be given, will be used by veterans in perpetuity?
0:47:10 > 0:47:12The simple answer is no.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16This is being considered essentially as a campsite.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19Who occupies it is not a matter for consideration.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23It is whether or not a proposal in this location is acceptable.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29In planning, the final user of this development is not a material consideration.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36All of those in favour of approval, please show.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44Only five of the committee members have voted to support the plans.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47All of those against.
0:47:51 > 0:47:52Abstentions?
0:47:56 > 0:47:58It is a dead heat.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01The deciding vote falls to the chair of the planning committee.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05As I have the casting vote, and I vote to approve it,
0:48:05 > 0:48:07the application is approved.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12The stalemate is broken.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14The veteran village can be built.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19I really wanted to jump up and shout,
0:48:19 > 0:48:24"Listen, I don't want to turn it into holiday homes, This is not about capital gain."
0:48:24 > 0:48:28This is not about capitalism, or about making money.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33This is about changing lives.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36I voted against it. Reluctantly.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41And there is a bit of me that is almost relieved it has gone through.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44All I can say is that for the future I wish them the best
0:48:44 > 0:48:47and hope it does get used for armed services.
0:48:47 > 0:48:51What a battle that was. That was fantastic.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54That will go down with the greats.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57The Battle of Britain. The Falklands.
0:48:57 > 0:49:01Sanctuary for Veterans. It is up there. It is up there with them.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03Yeah. Brilliant.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19Down the road in Oakmere,
0:49:19 > 0:49:2233-year-old Ceri Rothwell and her husband, Jim,
0:49:22 > 0:49:25wanted to extend their 120-year-old cottage.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28But when two thirds of the building fell down,
0:49:28 > 0:49:31they started to rebuild without the correct planning permission.
0:49:32 > 0:49:36We are going to have an open hallway
0:49:36 > 0:49:41and my utility room in here with my washer and drier and fridge, et cetera.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45Play room, kitchen, living room.
0:49:45 > 0:49:49This for us is everything we ever wanted from a house.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51A great big kitchen.
0:49:53 > 0:49:55But all their work is under threat.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59For the planners, the rebuilding was not covered by the planning permission to extend.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04Ceri and Jim have submitted a new application.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07If the planners do not accept it, they will have to stop work
0:50:07 > 0:50:10and carry on living in their on-site caravan.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15We have a 16-month-old daughter that's been on antibiotics for a week.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18They don't give out antibiotics to young babies lightly.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21That is because we are living in a tin box.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25It's one millimetre of aluminium and an inch of polystyrene.
0:50:25 > 0:50:29It is not suitable for living in at this time of year.
0:50:29 > 0:50:34Every delay is a real problem. It has a real impact.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39Ceri and Jim's new application
0:50:39 > 0:50:42is in the hands of planning development manager Nial Casselden.
0:50:43 > 0:50:48We have had the amended plans in. We have carried out a new round of consultation.
0:50:48 > 0:50:53We have had the information we need. We have given it a full assessment.
0:50:53 > 0:50:57We've been out on site. Taken a look at it in the flesh. We are happy with it.
0:50:57 > 0:51:02It is not causing problems. We think this is a good scheme.
0:51:02 > 0:51:06It will not cause problems for anyone, so, yeah, absolutely.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09We are definitely going to grant permission.
0:51:16 > 0:51:21For Ceri, moving into her dream cottage can now become a reality.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25I have stood over here quite a few times when we've been in.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29I've been at the window and done this with my hands as if I'm washing the dishes
0:51:29 > 0:51:33because this is where our sink's going to be.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35You are stood on my breakfast bar at the moment!
0:51:38 > 0:51:41Knowing that the planners are going to give us permission
0:51:41 > 0:51:43is a huge weight off our minds.
0:51:43 > 0:51:48It means we can plough forwards with everything we wanted to plough
0:51:48 > 0:51:51forwards with before, but safe in the knowledge it can't be contested.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06In Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, five weeks have passed
0:52:06 > 0:52:09since the last planning committee meeting,
0:52:09 > 0:52:12but local campaigners have not found the money to take over the pub.
0:52:12 > 0:52:17And it is not just the objectors who have run out of time.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21The planning committee couldn't schedule a new meeting, so the brewery lodged an appeal.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26We get eight weeks to determine the application.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29If we don't then the applicant, the brewery in this case,
0:52:29 > 0:52:34has the legal right to take it to the inspectorate and say, you have a go.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38It's a bit of a game like pass the parcel,
0:52:38 > 0:52:42where you only get eight weeks before the person in charge of the game
0:52:42 > 0:52:46can say "no", hand it on to the next person, and they can have a go at it.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50The brewery's decision to involve the planning inspector
0:52:50 > 0:52:53has cut out head planner Phil Skill entirely.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57Follow the yellow brick road. Follow the yellow brick road.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00But Phil is about to get a visit
0:53:00 > 0:53:03by the last three remaining Spa Inn regulars.
0:53:03 > 0:53:05Phil Skill. What a stupid name!
0:53:05 > 0:53:10We have come here this afternoon to meet Mr Phil Kelly...
0:53:10 > 0:53:13No. Phil Skill.
0:53:13 > 0:53:18In one final bid to save their pub, objectors Wendy, Liz and Esther
0:53:18 > 0:53:21have come to hand over their petition,
0:53:21 > 0:53:24that contains over 800 signatures.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27- Hello, I'm Phil Skill. - Esther Davey. Nice to meet you.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31This is on behalf of everybody in Stonehouse community.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34I hope it helps because these people
0:53:34 > 0:53:37genuinely do want to save the Spa Inn.
0:53:37 > 0:53:41I will make sure that this is forwarded to the inspector directly.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44- Excellent. Thank you very much. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50This is the objectors' last chance to make their voice heard.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53The inspector will visit the Spa Inn in the couple of days,
0:53:53 > 0:53:56but any lobbying will be strictly forbidden.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01It is a one-person site visit.
0:54:01 > 0:54:03Not a time for debate
0:54:03 > 0:54:06and for talking about the issues.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09They can say, "Hello, would you like a cup of tea?"
0:54:09 > 0:54:13But you don't speak to the inspector.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17- Are you the inspector?- Yes.
0:54:17 > 0:54:21- Excuse me, am I allowed to tag on if I don't say anything?- Yes.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24I won't say anything.
0:54:27 > 0:54:31I've lived there for over 25 years, so I've seen all sorts happening.
0:54:37 > 0:54:42- I think we have seen all we need to see.- Thank you very much.- Goodbye.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46- Is that it?- Thank you very much.
0:54:46 > 0:54:50The inspector's visit lasts ten minutes.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53Now, he will have to make a decision.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55It was so quick.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59He was saying, "This is that, this is that, this is that." Done deed.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05The inspector has eight weeks to come up with his verdict,
0:55:05 > 0:55:09which is final and can only be challenged in a court of law.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14But only two weeks later...
0:55:14 > 0:55:16Oh, gosh, what a wad.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18Well, he made up his mind very quickly.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21He was not there more than...
0:55:21 > 0:55:24Well, ten minutes at the most, I think.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28What a shame they couldn't have put a first-class stamp on it.
0:55:28 > 0:55:33I would have known sooner instead of reading it in the paper!
0:55:35 > 0:55:38There it is in black and white.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42- Unfortunately, we have lost our fight to save the Spa Inn.- Gutted.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46And I know I will speak for all of the regulars
0:55:46 > 0:55:49and the loyal customers that went to the Spa Inn.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52I can speak for all of them, they are all gutted.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56It is part of Stonehouse's heritage that will disappear.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06The inspector's decision means that the brewery can convert
0:56:06 > 0:56:11the Spa Inn into a house and build four more houses in the car park.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14The council believed that there was still life in the pub.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18So, on one hand the council is disappointed,
0:56:18 > 0:56:21but it wasn't something that we weren't really expecting.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28Objector Liz has not just lost her local pub.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32She is also about to lose the view out of her bedroom window.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38I wish somebody could have bought it that would have made a go of it.
0:56:38 > 0:56:42Just like The Badger at Eastington,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45which was run down and is now thriving.
0:56:49 > 0:56:54Well, I hate to say it but I would laugh my head off
0:56:54 > 0:56:57if the bulldozer went in and fell into a sinkhole!
0:57:01 > 0:57:03You can't say that!
0:57:07 > 0:57:09Next time, we revisit some of last year's
0:57:09 > 0:57:12most controversial planning decisions.
0:57:12 > 0:57:17What happened when planning permission was refused for this Cheltenham resident?
0:57:18 > 0:57:22Did the lord of the manor secure the future of his ancestral home?
0:57:22 > 0:57:26And what was the fate of these green fields in Tarporley?