0:00:02 > 0:00:06Britain is a green and pleasant land but for how long?
0:00:06 > 0:00:09We're now getting to a situation where any sites
0:00:09 > 0:00:12worth putting a planning application in for...
0:00:12 > 0:00:15After the biggest shake-up of the planning system in 40 years,
0:00:15 > 0:00:19the race is on to get Britain building.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22If I have a house here, I'm thinking about building a sort of Berlin Wall.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24It's got to be at least six feet high.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26So constructors are making plans.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Whoever designed that needs to be shot.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Objectors are making noises.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35I've bloody enough of it with what we've got in this town
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- for councillors and the load of- BLEEP- they're putting up.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41And neighbours are going to war.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43We always won our battles as a family. We'll win this one.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47In the firing line, shaping the country of the future
0:00:47 > 0:00:49are Britain's planners.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Nothing happens in the hall, yeah? No, yes, no, yes?
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Thank you for letting us visit and we'll see you on Thursday.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Another British planning cock-up, really.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Whoa!
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Across the country, planning regulations are being relaxed
0:01:18 > 0:01:20to encourage construction.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25The government wants building to kick-start the economy, so land
0:01:25 > 0:01:29that was previously protected is now being considered for development.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42In West Cheshire, the council has a target of 5,000 new homes
0:01:42 > 0:01:44in the next five years.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Fiona Edwards is the head planner.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51We're not boring, we're really exciting people.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54My team and I, we love our jobs, we like the difference
0:01:54 > 0:01:58we can make to developments. We like hopefully making things better.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01I think it's probably the most exciting time to be a planner.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Today, Fiona is in Winsford, considering an application
0:02:09 > 0:02:11to build on farmland.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12My goodness, hang on!
0:02:12 > 0:02:16This is obviously where people walk their dogs
0:02:16 > 0:02:19and they're not particularly considerate about it.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24Three developers want to build 540 houses on the edge of the town.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29This has always been farmland, it's always been green open land.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32A lot of people would say we shouldn't be losing it,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35that we should protect this at all costs
0:02:35 > 0:02:38but I suppose the question you ask yourself as a planner -
0:02:38 > 0:02:41in the drive to meet with the government's targets,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43where do we put all these sites?
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Changes in the law mean even farmland can be built on
0:02:46 > 0:02:49if it's near enough to existing communities.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51I think without a doubt it's going to be controversial.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54You only have to have a look at the size of it -
0:02:54 > 0:02:58there's a lot of land here, and these properties in particular,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01they've had open aspect views over farmland,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04some of those properties for possibly 100 years.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09People are very protective of their views and their landscape.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10Hello. Grab a seat!
0:03:10 > 0:03:13A big thanks to you all for turning up
0:03:13 > 0:03:17on a glorious evening tonight. I'm sure there's lots of other things
0:03:17 > 0:03:20you could be doing on a lovely hot evening.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22When news of the application was made public,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26an action group was formed to fight any development.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30I used to play in these fields. We used to make dens out of the hay.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32You know, the animals.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37I just had such a happy childhood being in this area.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Sandra lives with her son in a house overlooking
0:03:40 > 0:03:43the site of the proposed development.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46That was my bedroom as a child.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51I've always had that view of those fields all of my life.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Sandra's not alone.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Eight members of her family live on the same road.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59I've been here about 40 years.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- It's more than that, Dad. - It might be.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- Maybe 50 years.- Shut up!
0:04:06 > 0:04:11I'm just sad that they might end up looking at houses.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15They've chosen to live here because it was quiet,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17it's beautiful countryside.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I've got to do it, I've got to do it for them.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Your home, your front door
0:04:26 > 0:04:29is probably the most important thing to you and if that's threatened,
0:04:29 > 0:04:33people get very, very emotionally bound up in the whole process
0:04:33 > 0:04:35and it can be something as simple
0:04:35 > 0:04:38as your neighbours having a conservatory,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41or something as controversial as putting 540 houses
0:04:41 > 0:04:43on greenfield sites like this.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Sandra and her neighbours need strong planning reasons
0:04:53 > 0:04:55to get the houses refused,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58and start by focusing on the loss of wildlife habitats.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02The developers actually say they want to create natural habitats,
0:05:02 > 0:05:06but they'll just disappear.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09I saw a barn owl down here on Friday night.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11They're rare, they're thin on the ground.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I've been in the countryside and worked in farming all my life
0:05:14 > 0:05:16and I've only seen about six barn owls.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Some of this wildlife could be ancestors go back hundreds of years.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27You wouldn't like to be kicked out of your house, would you?
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Great crested newts are rumoured to live in the pond,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33and they're protected under planning law.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Developers face fines of up to £5,000
0:05:36 > 0:05:38if they damage a newt's habitat,
0:05:38 > 0:05:43but the objectors need to find evidence that they're present.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Mathew's found something.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47They live in that, that's dragonfly larvae.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51It's alive with animals, pond life etc,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55so if they're in there, the newts are going to be in there somewhere.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56What's that?
0:05:59 > 0:06:01It's come this way.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03That was a baby newt, whether it was a crested newt...
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Where the hell's he gone?
0:06:07 > 0:06:10It is interesting when you see people's reactions
0:06:10 > 0:06:13when they find out about a planning application behind their house.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15They never voice or articulate
0:06:15 > 0:06:17"I don't want a house being built behind me."
0:06:17 > 0:06:21They always say things like "There must be great crested newts here."
0:06:21 > 0:06:23People come up with all sorts of ideas
0:06:23 > 0:06:26that you would never think of in a month of Sundays.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Everybody suddenly becomes a planning expert.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34They want my job and think they can do it a lot better than I can.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Maybe they can, you never know.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40See, he could be in here. He could have gone in them roots.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42But if the newts do live in the pond,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44they're keeping a frustratingly low profile.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Just bringing it round now.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Wildlife's a funny thing, aren't they?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55That's why they're wild cos they know we're here,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58cos they can hear us talking so they could be hiding
0:06:58 > 0:07:01in the shallows, round the corner, anywhere.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08The objectors have another card up their sleeve - archaeology.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18We're not powerful enough. We can't fight in the courts
0:07:18 > 0:07:21with their banks of lawyers and barrister,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24with their millions of pounds. We're just ordinary people
0:07:24 > 0:07:28who have got a little voice and we're trying to...
0:07:28 > 0:07:35Yes, clutching at straws trying to find some reason to hold them up.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40That's a spindle whorl - it could be of archaeological interest.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43With no sign of newts or anything of archaeological significance,
0:07:43 > 0:07:48Sandra and the objectors have eight weeks to find something else
0:07:48 > 0:07:51if they're going to stop the housing plans.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57New development doesn't have to be on a grand scale
0:07:57 > 0:07:59to upset the neighbours.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Sometimes the smallest changes can cause the greatest upset.
0:08:02 > 0:08:10In Cheltenham, this 1930s semi is home to 87-year-old Mary Yeates.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17This room is really like its own little world.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20I just condensed everything into this room.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I've got my music centre, I've got my television.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26It really is my own little muck heap then
0:08:26 > 0:08:29if you'd like to put it like that.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34Mary has mobility problems so spends all of her time in her back room,
0:08:34 > 0:08:38only leaving her favourite armchair once a week to go shopping.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41I tell you what really does get my goat,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45that's Prime Minister's Question Times.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47I keep a collection of socks rolled up here
0:08:47 > 0:08:51that I throw at the television.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Well, you've got to get your own back somehow, haven't you?
0:08:56 > 0:08:58But Mary's world may be about to change.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Her neighbours have applied for planning permission
0:09:01 > 0:09:05to build an extension four metres long and 3.7 metres high
0:09:05 > 0:09:08at the back of their house.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Mary is objecting.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15See how light it is here now?
0:09:15 > 0:09:18This is what it's going to be like if that wall goes up.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25And straight away you're in the dark.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28That's a big difference. There's no way I could read or anything.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34The size of the extension means planning permission is needed.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37That means Mary can formally object.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I was a bit concerned about the overall height and the relationship
0:09:40 > 0:09:44it will have on this window and this quite small room.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47So now it's down to Cheltenham's chief planner, Rob Lindsey,
0:09:47 > 0:09:52and planning officer Rachel Adams to decide if construction can go ahead.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56I am more than willing to go and look at the site and judge it.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58We're here to balance the interests
0:09:58 > 0:10:02between the person who wants to build and the person alongside.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05It's important to try and make the right decision.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12That man's mowing. They must have a game tonight.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15If the extension causes too much loss of light,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17then the application could be rejected.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- He's rolling the wicket. - What is it, Friday?
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Mary's daughter Pauline and her husband think they've come up
0:10:26 > 0:10:29with a way to convince the planners that the extension is too big.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36I made a frame up to hover up there roughly to the height
0:10:36 > 0:10:40so as we can see when the council planning officer comes round,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43how much light we'll lose in the dining room.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Rachel has already carried out light tests which suggest
0:10:52 > 0:10:55the shadow would be acceptable.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Rob has agreed to provide a second opinion on-site.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Morning. I'm Robert Lindsey from the planning office, hello.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Your hands are cold. - They are, aren't they!
0:11:03 > 0:11:08It's quite a cold day actually. Right, you know why we're here,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12we're judging the effect of that extension on the light.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Mary and her family are hoping the mock-up will sway Rob.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Can I just come and sit or kneel next door to you
0:11:18 > 0:11:22so that I can look at it from your perspective? Thanks.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Right.
0:11:29 > 0:11:35I think, I'm sorry to say, that my view is that is not something
0:11:35 > 0:11:37we could recommend refusal for.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43I feel that the impact on your room isn't enough for us to refuse it.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47It's very helpful having your full-scale mock up there
0:11:47 > 0:11:49but you've got a curved window
0:11:49 > 0:11:52which is actually admitting a lot of light. You will lose some light.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Yes, that's what we're saying.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57They do prefer to have a pitched roof.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00They're going to have light into their dining room
0:12:00 > 0:12:04but Mother is going to lose her light in here.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07You know, it's all right for them to have their light
0:12:07 > 0:12:08but we can't have ours.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- I think it's a whitewash. I do. - I can assure you it isn't.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16I've got very little time for Cheltenham Planning or Tewkesbury Planning.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19OK, but the reason we are here is to make a sensible judgement,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- not to whitewash it.- As far as I'm concerned, that is a whitewash.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24We're here to understand the issues.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26If you allow something like that, it's disgusting.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33It just seems a bit unfair.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36I accept that you...feel that, yes.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41I do feel quite angry about it and even more so now than I did before.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46In over 90% of cases, the planners would make the final decision,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49but in this case, Rob and Rachel will only recommend.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54In the face of such strong feeling, Rob has decided
0:12:54 > 0:12:58that the application will be determined by the elected members
0:12:58 > 0:13:02of the council's planning committee when they meet in two weeks' time.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04See you on the 17th. Bye.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Rob's been a planner for 38 years.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14He's met his fair share of angry neighbours.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15People do get emotional
0:13:15 > 0:13:18and they get upset about change that they can't control.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21So being caught in the middle is part of the stock in trade
0:13:21 > 0:13:23of a planning officer.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29My first boss used to say, in parties,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32that he was a local manager for Berni Inns,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35which always struck me as quite inventive.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Conservation areas like Pittville in Cheltenham,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53where properties often change hands for over a million,
0:13:53 > 0:13:58have particularly strict planning rules to preserve their historic character.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00I very much like living here.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03It's an ideal mix for me of town and country living
0:14:03 > 0:14:09and I love my house. We spent a lot of time and money renovating it.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Geraldine Beaty owns a Human Resources firm.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Her Regency five-bedroom semi may have just undergone
0:14:16 > 0:14:23a £200,000 restoration, but to her, it's not quite perfect.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28You'll see how many manoeuvres I have to make.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35It's not a three-point turn. It's about a seven-point turn.
0:14:35 > 0:14:42And this is what I have to do at least twice a day, every single day.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Very frustrating.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Where our two cars are currently parked
0:14:50 > 0:14:52is actually what should be our back garden.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56And it's the most sunny part of the garden as well.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's the south-facing bit which is added frustration.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Tired of having to park in her back garden,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Geraldine set about finding a solution to her problem.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09She didn't have to look very far.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14All of these houses in front of us have multiple car parking in front.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18They all reverse onto the road, they don't have any restrictions
0:15:18 > 0:15:22in terms of what they do and how many cars they have or anything.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Geraldine has asked for permission from the council
0:15:24 > 0:15:27to have the kerb dropped so she can create a parking space
0:15:27 > 0:15:30to the side of the house, just like her neighbours.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33She has gone to great lengths to make sure
0:15:33 > 0:15:35the planning application is watertight.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37We've employed highways consultants,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40we've employed tree specialists to draw up a plan
0:15:40 > 0:15:46that is going to be amenable to those who make the decisions.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52It's cost us a lot of money. Probably already about £10,000.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55It's an awful lot of money for a parking space
0:15:55 > 0:15:58but it's better than moving house.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01The frustrations of the current arrangements are such that if
0:16:01 > 0:16:04we didn't get this through, we may probably consider moving house.
0:16:07 > 0:16:13The planners handling the application are about to make a site visit.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17As the house is in a conservation area, planner Martin Chandler
0:16:17 > 0:16:21has to consult conservation officer Karen Radford.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Very nice pair of houses.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Good condition, good location,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29with a view from over there sort of looking northwards.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31That is quite a prominent location.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38The kerb will be coming in just to the right of this tree.
0:16:38 > 0:16:45The tree will come out and the kerb will run approximately to here.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48The proposal would mean losing the front garden
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and the original layout of the grounds.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52I think this front garden
0:16:52 > 0:16:54and the way it is at the moment really is very nice.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56That will all be lost to hard standing
0:16:56 > 0:16:59because of the turning space that is necessary.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Cheltenham has clear guidelines on what is
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and isn't allowed in a conservation area.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Loss of front garden to parking, detracts from historic setting.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Yes, which is clearly what is proposed here.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The Planning Listed Building And Conservation Area Act of 1990
0:17:15 > 0:17:19says that the planning authority has the duty to consider it
0:17:19 > 0:17:23so that the conservation area is preserved and enhanced
0:17:23 > 0:17:25and I can't see how this application
0:17:25 > 0:17:29will be preserving and enhancing the conservation area at all.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30I just don't see it.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Some properties in the road may have got planning permission
0:17:34 > 0:17:37for dropped kerb, some properties in the road may
0:17:37 > 0:17:40historically already have a dropped kerb because they were designed
0:17:40 > 0:17:43to have a horse and carriage going in, therefore a car can go in.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Just because everybody else has,
0:17:45 > 0:17:49that's not a way that planning policy is determined.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52With planning policy, each application and each situation
0:17:52 > 0:17:54needs to be looked at on its merits.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Conservation officer Karen is against the dropped kerb,
0:18:00 > 0:18:04so planner Martin is recommending that it be refused.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Despite the recommendation, Geraldine is determined to continue
0:18:09 > 0:18:13with the application, with the help of another planning consultant.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17It seems that the wall may be a bit of an issue
0:18:17 > 0:18:19as you picked up on as well.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21If they're concerned about demolition
0:18:21 > 0:18:24then we need to tweak that accordingly.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26OK, tweak it in the sense of what?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29They've asked their ward councillor to take the application
0:18:29 > 0:18:31before the planning committee,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34where elected members will decide on her dropped kerb.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39A dropped kerb. It is farcical, laughable,
0:18:39 > 0:18:44ridiculous. Any other adjective you can think of, all of those.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Now the application is going before the councillors,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51the conservation officer's objections could be overruled.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05In Winsford in Cheshire, Sandra Challinor and her neighbours
0:19:05 > 0:19:07have changed tactics in their efforts to get plans
0:19:07 > 0:19:10for 540 houses rejected.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14They're queuing up here in the morning trying to get out
0:19:14 > 0:19:18but at the moment it's really quiet because it's the holiday time.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22More houses means more cars.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24The objectors are making a video to show their roads
0:19:24 > 0:19:27are already very busy.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30It will be absolute chaos - you're going to have potentially
0:19:30 > 0:19:34another 1,000 cars coming on the roads, from two entrances.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- It's going to be even worse. - Easy, yeah.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41In any application involving changes to the highways,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45the planners will always send out their own traffic experts.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48People perceive 540 dwellings
0:19:48 > 0:19:51as creating, you know, potentially everybody's got two cars
0:19:51 > 0:19:55so that could be 800 or 1,000 car movements every day.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58In reality, that doesn't happen.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02There will be some impact, but I think that in most instances,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06for most of the residents, it would be an insignificant and hardly noticeable impact.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Good to see you again. - Good to see you as well.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Ken's meeting the objectors to explain the work he's done
0:20:11 > 0:20:15to make sure the new road layouts are safe and reduce disruption.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Could I ask about the access here? Because that's right in front
0:20:19 > 0:20:22of these houses here - is that going to stay the same?
0:20:22 > 0:20:24It is, yeah.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27It doesn't matter where they put it, it's going to upset somebody,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30to a degree. Believe it or not, some people like new accesses
0:20:30 > 0:20:34because it shows them a bit of life outside their lounge window
0:20:34 > 0:20:36and I've had that said to me before. I'm not saying that
0:20:36 > 0:20:39here that would be the case. You can't please everybody all the time,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41we just aim to please as many people as we can.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- OK, thank you. - Thank you very much.- Cheers.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Thank you very much.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48And you.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50It is good to talk, as...
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Who was it? British Rail once said, "we're getting there".
0:20:56 > 0:21:01Despite Ken's positive spin, Sandra's determined to fight on.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04I still don't want it to happen, even hearing today
0:21:04 > 0:21:08the highway planning officer Ken...
0:21:08 > 0:21:10In my heart I don't want it to happen.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16A peaceful, quiet place is going to be turned into hectic,
0:21:16 > 0:21:21because there's going to be another 6 or 700 cars on the road,
0:21:21 > 0:21:25so it's going to affect everybody round here.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33With specialist reports all supporting the scheme,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35head planner Fiona has reached a recommendation.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38The recommendation on these is for approval.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Three applications, 540 houses.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44It ticks the boxes - they're sustainable locations
0:21:44 > 0:21:48on the edge of the settlement, they are near to existing services,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51you know, shops, schools, medical facilities
0:21:51 > 0:21:53so it's an ideal area to grow -
0:21:53 > 0:21:56it complies with national policy. No reason to refuse it.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01On large-scale applications with local opposition,
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Fiona can only recommend.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06The decision will be made by the elected councillors who make up
0:22:06 > 0:22:07the planning committee.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11They have the power to go against officer advice.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22For the next few years, Mrs Driver would prove to be
0:22:22 > 0:22:25what some call "the Iron Lady of Cheltenham".
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Barbara Driver is a long-standing member of Cheltenham's
0:22:29 > 0:22:30planning committee.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33I am known for saying what I think.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35Long may I carry on,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39because in planning I've got to get my two cents in
0:22:39 > 0:22:41and stop them doing it.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47Barbara is one of 15 councillors on the planning committee.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49They have the power to overrule
0:22:49 > 0:22:52a professional planning officer's recommendations.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57We are elected onto the council to represent those people
0:22:57 > 0:22:58that elected us.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02The officer's job is the legal end and the business end
0:23:02 > 0:23:04and everything else.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06And we need to just get together on it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Barbara, is it a bit of a battle sometimes between you
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- and the officers? You seem to have...- Well, no, no. Don't think...
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Yes, unofficially!
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Before voting on any application,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24the committee visits every site with the planners.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Today they're visiting the home of Mary Yeates.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30They need to decide on next door's extension plans.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33Members.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Hello. We're going into one of the semi-detached properties.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41They're concerned that they're going to lose their amenity
0:23:41 > 0:23:42because of the extension.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46It does pass the daylight test and officers have stood in the room
0:23:46 > 0:23:50and feel that it's not going to be overbearing to their amenity,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53which is why the recommendation is to approve.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59OK, so from this side this is the elevation,
0:23:59 > 0:24:00which the neighbour will see.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03The neighbour has concerns that it's going to be overbearing
0:24:03 > 0:24:06to their living room. Officers believe that it won't,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10which is what members will have to decide at committee.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14I'll tell you what really does get my goat.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16The planning committee are councillors.
0:24:16 > 0:24:22I doubt if there's a builder or an architect, even a good DIY chap.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25I don't suppose there's one on that committee.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- The shrubbery behind it? Will that have to go?- That would have to go.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32And you say it can't be lowered at all?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Not for the roof tile.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38We have asked for a different roof form and for the pumps for the extension to be
0:24:38 > 0:24:40stepped back so that they can reduce the pitch,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42but the applicant is unable to do that.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47The councillors' vote in three weeks' time will determine
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- whether the extension will be built. - Thank you.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52But Mary and her family aren't confident.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56The one gentleman said,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59"Is the greenery going to stay there on the fence?"
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Well, looking at the drawings, any idiot can see that that's got to go
0:25:03 > 0:25:05and it's going to be a wall there.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08'Half of them people, what do they know about it?'
0:25:08 > 0:25:10They've never been in the building trade.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- They go round on a jolly and they haven't got a- BLEEP- clue.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17This is what you've got with the planning committee.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- A load of- BLEEP- idiots.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23The councillors come from all walks of life, from watchmaker
0:25:23 > 0:25:27to a retired policeman, but they do receive some training
0:25:27 > 0:25:29in planning law when they join the committee.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It's something that I will be discussing with planning
0:25:33 > 0:25:38on Thursday, because I do have some questions that need to be answered
0:25:38 > 0:25:41at the planning meeting.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- But you can't talk about them now? - No, I'd rather not, thank you.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Planners don't just have to balance the conflicting views
0:25:55 > 0:25:57of home owners - they also have to consider
0:25:57 > 0:26:00the need for sustainable, energy-saving development.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05We have a house that's lovely to live in.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09To live in the centre of Chester really has its pleasantries as well.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15Retired GPs Basil and Rachel Thompson spent £250,000
0:26:15 > 0:26:19restoring their home by the city walls in Chester.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23There's room for their grandchildren and their hobbies.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Now, isn't that nice?
0:26:27 > 0:26:30But there's one further improvement they'd like to make
0:26:30 > 0:26:32to their Grade II-listed home.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35There's an awful lot of sunlight falls
0:26:35 > 0:26:38and we're not using it.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43We want to put 17 solar panels on this roof.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Let's take 17 small strides.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47One, two, three...
0:26:47 > 0:26:50The Thompsons have applied for planning permission
0:26:50 > 0:26:54to install solar panels, which will cost them £8,500.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59Here, if we use the central part, it will go from here
0:26:59 > 0:27:02to the other side of that window.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06They'll only see a return on their investment in 12 years,
0:27:06 > 0:27:07when they're both 95.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11We don't need it - we're relatively well-off,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15we're not complaining about our electricity bills,
0:27:15 > 0:27:20which are somewhere in the order of 2,500 a year.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23But we feel very strongly that
0:27:23 > 0:27:28whatever we can do to cut down unsustainable energy
0:27:28 > 0:27:32is our obligation for future generations.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37We've got the money sitting there waiting to pay for it
0:27:37 > 0:27:40and we're lucky on that.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43But as they live within the city's conservation area,
0:27:43 > 0:27:47they have to wait for the planners' approval before doing anything
0:27:47 > 0:27:49to the traditional slate roof.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52It's a listed building
0:27:52 > 0:27:58and our garage roof is very much in view
0:27:58 > 0:28:00of anybody walking along the walls,
0:28:00 > 0:28:04but quite honestly, I think that anybody leaning over our wall
0:28:04 > 0:28:08will look at the garden rather than worry about the solar panels.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13Who are we going to upset by putting a row of solar panels on the roof?
0:28:16 > 0:28:20The man responsible for preserving the historic appearance
0:28:20 > 0:28:23of the city is conservation officer John Healey.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27It's not a static city, it's a city that moves forward and our job is
0:28:27 > 0:28:33to ensure that it moves forward in a way which is informed by the past.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36There's no denying the fact that this is an incredibly
0:28:36 > 0:28:39sensitive location. There are constraints.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Together with case officer Dan Nickson, John has come
0:28:42 > 0:28:46to visit Basil and Rachel to let them know whether or not
0:28:46 > 0:28:49they will be recommending approval for their solar panels.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- Is our doorbell not working? - I did try it.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01OK. No energy.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05We have been assessing it and we are looking to refuse the application.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08It's very visible from the city walls.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12Chester City Walls dates back to the time of the Roman occupation.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16It is one of the primary tourist draws into the town.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19It would have a significant impact on the appearance of the property
0:29:19 > 0:29:23and particularly on the appearance of the slate roof.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25You'd be concealing the slate roof
0:29:25 > 0:29:28with large modular reflective panels.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33Then if we just turn a moment, sorry, and just look at the building
0:29:33 > 0:29:36that is behind - that looks just like a panel there.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Nothing but panels and you permitted that one.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42But I can't answer for the sins of those who were here
0:29:42 > 0:29:44in the '70s, can I, really?
0:29:44 > 0:29:46We feel very strongly
0:29:46 > 0:29:50that you're ignoring the...
0:29:50 > 0:29:5221st century.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56We have to be mindful that granting a permission in this circumstance
0:29:56 > 0:30:00here perhaps suggests that others might successfully also apply
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- for similar sorts of developments elsewhere.- So what?
0:30:03 > 0:30:07It's like saying that one can't have electricity, one can't have
0:30:07 > 0:30:12modern things that are appropriate to conserving the here
0:30:12 > 0:30:15and thereafter for our families and next generations.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19I honestly think that solar panellings are going to be just
0:30:19 > 0:30:24as acceptable in ten years' time as the bicycle
0:30:24 > 0:30:27and a whole lot of other modern technology.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32I don't think we were saying no solar panels.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35What I think we were saying was solar panels where
0:30:35 > 0:30:36they were appropriately located.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40But for heaven's sake, not on elevations directly fronting
0:30:40 > 0:30:42the city wall on listed buildings.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48John's opposition means the planners are rejecting the application.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51But Rachel and Basil have lobbied their councillor
0:30:51 > 0:30:54and it'll now go to the planning committee.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57But John is confident the case is straightforward.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01The planning system is one that's based on balancing up various
0:31:01 > 0:31:02competing interests.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05I have to say, when we have favourable decisions,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08I have a slight smile on my face.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13If they turn it down at committee, we'd certainly go to appeal.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17I've even said that I would happily go down
0:31:17 > 0:31:21and try and talk to the government official in charge
0:31:21 > 0:31:23of renewable energies.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27She's a bit of a terrier. If her teeth are into something,
0:31:27 > 0:31:33she is very willing to pursue it to the ultimate, if necessary.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36And if you think that's right, yes.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40It's not in my nature to accept something that I feel
0:31:40 > 0:31:42is unreasonable.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54In Cheltenham, Geraldine Beaty has also had her planning application
0:31:54 > 0:31:58recommended for refusal by the conservation officer.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03I have scraped my car more than once doing this.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Just because I can't have parking at the front of my house.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Geraldine wants permission to create a parking space.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Since the conservation officer's report, she's lobbied
0:32:17 > 0:32:21her local councillor and now the final decision will go before
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Cheltenham's planning committee, who are on their way to her house.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30It's a sort of mystery tour.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36All will be revealed.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42It's just this house up on the right here. That house there.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45As you're aware, there is a policy in the plan
0:32:45 > 0:32:49which talks about resisting introduction of hard-standing
0:32:49 > 0:32:52and parked cars to the front of houses in conservation areas.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56And in this instance the recommendation is to refuse.
0:32:56 > 0:33:02On your recommendation, how does that fit in with the other side
0:33:02 > 0:33:05of the road where there are numerous dropped kerbs?
0:33:05 > 0:33:07And the next door neighbour.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Yes, along Albert Road there are numerous examples of dropped kerbs.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14Again, the old adage -
0:33:14 > 0:33:17there's no such thing as a precedent in planning.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Every case has its different merits.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22The conservation officer has objected,
0:33:22 > 0:33:24as the historic front garden would be lost,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27along with the railings and the dividing wall.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30That's the objection. if you remove that, you lose
0:33:30 > 0:33:33that historic sub-division, if you like.
0:33:33 > 0:33:39The wall and the green. And the railings, you name it.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42When on site, to prevent lobbying,
0:33:42 > 0:33:45the applicant is not allowed to speak to the councillors,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48a rule which committee member Barbara is keen to enforce.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54- We're just going to move it back... - No, you can't talk to us, sorry.
0:33:54 > 0:33:55Er...
0:33:55 > 0:34:00- Sorry...- Sorry, I'm paying for this application. Don't be so unpleasant.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03The view isn't... What...
0:34:03 > 0:34:07We are told that we can't get into conversation with an applicant
0:34:07 > 0:34:10when we're on planning view, and I was trying to warn the lady
0:34:10 > 0:34:15that she couldn't do it but she got her knickers in a twist.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17But... SHE LAUGHS
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Yeah, I apologise for the outburst, that was a bit... Wasn't...
0:34:21 > 0:34:23put in the best way, perhaps.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28I'm afraid it's not my ruling, it's the council's ruling.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31They spoke to me, but I'm not allowed to speak to them.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33That's just bizarre behaviour,
0:34:33 > 0:34:38it's primitive and not very helpful at all.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42I find it, honestly, really upsetting.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44I've tried so hard to put this through
0:34:44 > 0:34:49and then for some woman who doesn't have any interest at all.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54- Well, an interest as a councillor, obviously.- I'm finding it quite stressful.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- Well, thank you for letting us visit.- Thank you.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- And we'll see you on Thursday. - Thank you.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08The councillors will meet again
0:35:08 > 0:35:10at the council offices in three days' time
0:35:10 > 0:35:14to decide on the fate of Geraldine's £10,000 application.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19I've probably not helped the case at all by saying to her,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22"Well, I'm paying for this, so why can't I speak?"
0:35:23 > 0:35:25But anyway...
0:35:25 > 0:35:29It just seems an old-fashioned weird way of behaving,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32like I'm supposed to be grateful to them.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40We'll see. I suspect it's going to get turned down now.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53In Winsford, Cheshire, Sandra Challinor and her neighbours
0:35:53 > 0:35:55have heard the news that the planning department
0:35:55 > 0:35:59are in favour of building a housing estate opposite their homes.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02It's depressing,
0:36:02 > 0:36:07it's depressing to just see this word "approved" to go forward,
0:36:07 > 0:36:12so obviously we're just going to fight to the end now and keep going.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20They've lost the planning argument but they're leafleting every house
0:36:20 > 0:36:23in the area. A large turnout at the committee meeting
0:36:23 > 0:36:27could sway the councillors and get the housing scheme turned down.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30We just want the people to come along
0:36:30 > 0:36:33to show the councillors there's a lot of concern
0:36:33 > 0:36:39about the building of houses, not just here but also in other parts
0:36:39 > 0:36:43of this county, and I'm afraid in the other parts of the country.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48I do understand why they get upset, but it's my job to try and balance
0:36:48 > 0:36:52those emotions against what people do need at the end of the day,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54which is good-quality homes to live in.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58I'd love to be confident, but at the moment the case officer has
0:36:58 > 0:37:02recommended it for approval. No, I can't be confident at the moment,
0:37:02 > 0:37:03still hope.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06We've just got to try and persuade them on the day, I suppose.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It's my job to promote development in the right places.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12I don't want to see the whole of Britain built on.
0:37:12 > 0:37:13I'm a country girl at heart.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17You've got to be realistic, you want it to be rejected,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21that's really why we're fighting this campaign, we want it stopped.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30The elected councillors,
0:37:30 > 0:37:32who will decide the fate of Winsford's fields,
0:37:32 > 0:37:37must balance officers' advice with the feelings of their constituents.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40I think people do realise it's a commitment
0:37:40 > 0:37:43and you've got to be heart-wrenching at times.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45I'm making a major decision,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49yes, because it's going to sometimes affect a lot of people.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Norman is a retired farmer, so knows how vulnerable farmland is
0:37:55 > 0:37:58to development since the laws changed.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02When I sold my land, I've got 50 years conditions on it
0:38:02 > 0:38:04so they can't build on it.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11These fields in Winsford have no such protection.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Norman and the other councillors are being shown the site
0:38:15 > 0:38:19of the proposed housing development by the planning officers.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23I'm used to wearing inappropriate site shoes - I'm a girl.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25LAUGHTER
0:38:25 > 0:38:29The people who object to it, are they people who are going to have
0:38:29 > 0:38:33their view ruined or have they got a more strategic view of this?
0:38:33 > 0:38:37We've had a number of objections. I couldn't tell you exactly which
0:38:37 > 0:38:40houses they're from - they are generally local residents.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42As they're elected every four years,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46councillors are under pressure to listen to their constituents.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49They will listen to what we as professional officers put forward
0:38:49 > 0:38:51as a recommendation. They'll also listen to the applicants
0:38:51 > 0:38:54putting forward their cases and the objectors or supporters
0:38:54 > 0:38:55on the parish council.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58So they weigh up all those things in the balance
0:38:58 > 0:39:00and they represent true democracy.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Look at the situation. It's a beautiful site
0:39:05 > 0:39:08for agricultural land, isn't it?
0:39:08 > 0:39:12Nicely ploughed, actually. Whoever has ploughed that,
0:39:12 > 0:39:16it's quite good. As an expert, couldn't do it better myself.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Is that a factor for you to consider?
0:39:21 > 0:39:24It's sad, as a farmer, to see it go, perhaps,
0:39:24 > 0:39:26but we've got to make way
0:39:26 > 0:39:28for new houses, perhaps.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Yeah.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34I'm still waiting for the debate on the situation.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47In Cheltenham, Mary Yeates' objection to her neighbour's extension
0:39:47 > 0:39:50is about to be decided by the planning committee.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56They meet every month in the main council chamber.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58It looks very official, which it is, anyway.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02A lot of people all sitting around listening to your every word.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03It's almost like a courtroom.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05To a lot of people it's frightening.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09During the debate, Mary's daughter, Pauline,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13will have a chance to convince the councillors to refuse permission.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18Decided that we'll keep it short, sweet, to the point,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21and...fingers crossed.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25This is the opportunity for the two parties
0:40:25 > 0:40:28to give their opinion on the application.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32We've got the neighbour speaking and the applicant speaking,
0:40:32 > 0:40:34so we're going to hear from both parties.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38Thank you, members. We now move on to the applications.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42The planners have recommended approval for the single-storey extension,
0:40:42 > 0:40:45but Pauline thinks her mum back home
0:40:45 > 0:40:49will suffer from a loss of light if construction goes ahead.
0:40:49 > 0:40:50First, Mrs Pauline Cox.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56Our main objection to the extension is the height
0:40:56 > 0:41:00and the size of the extension.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02If the height of the building was lowered,
0:41:02 > 0:41:08then we would have less objection to it than we do with it in its present state.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11That's all I've got to say, thank you.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12Thank you very much, Mrs Cox.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18I now ask Mr Duncan Philpotts to speak.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Good evening, everyone.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23The applicant has now the chance to address Pauline's objection.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27We have looked into reducing the height of the extension
0:41:27 > 0:41:29as much as possible.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32My understanding is, the planning application we've put in
0:41:32 > 0:41:37passes the daylight test, so any points on daylight
0:41:37 > 0:41:42shouldn't have any bearing on the planning decision. Thank you.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44After hearing from both sides,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47there's a chance for the councillors to debate,
0:41:47 > 0:41:49but instead they go straight to the vote.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Right, we now go to the vote.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54The recommendation is to approve.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56All those in favour?
0:41:59 > 0:42:0012.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Those against?
0:42:02 > 0:42:04One.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Abstentions?
0:42:06 > 0:42:07None.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08That is approved.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Planning permission has been granted for the extension,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19despite Pauline and David's efforts.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25I've had bloody enough of it, with what we've got in this town for councillors
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- and the load of- BLEEP - they're putting up.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33Barbara has been the only councillor to vote against the extension.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36I voted against it for the next-door neighbour
0:42:36 > 0:42:39because although it didn't take away the light,
0:42:39 > 0:42:43it was very oppressive to her lounge windows
0:42:43 > 0:42:47and it's the only window she had there in that little lounge.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50The law is it has to take away the light
0:42:50 > 0:42:51but sometimes I think we've got to think
0:42:51 > 0:42:56a little bit outside the box, not just planning rules and everything else.
0:42:56 > 0:43:02A little bit of common sense for the neighbours I think, personally, comes into it.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16In Chester, Rachel and Basil Thompson
0:43:16 > 0:43:20are hoping to have more luck in front of THEIR planning committee.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23Their plans to put solar panels on the roof of their listed home
0:43:23 > 0:43:25have been rejected by the officers,
0:43:25 > 0:43:27but they've lobbied their local councillor
0:43:27 > 0:43:30and now committee will have its say.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32I feel it's a battle that...
0:43:33 > 0:43:37It was no use trying to fight it ten years ago,
0:43:37 > 0:43:39but attitudes have changed
0:43:39 > 0:43:45and it is necessary to explore every form of green energy.
0:43:49 > 0:43:54The councillors are visiting to see what impact the panels would have
0:43:54 > 0:43:56on the views from the city walls.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59The conservation officer has been consulted on the application
0:43:59 > 0:44:03and considers that the harm is so significant here
0:44:03 > 0:44:07because of its location, in terms of its proximity to the walls,
0:44:07 > 0:44:09the listed building,
0:44:09 > 0:44:12that it outweighs the benefits from delivering
0:44:12 > 0:44:15additional renewable energy from the solar panels.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20As you walk down the walls, it is particularly prominent.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23You only get... You know, you get, obviously, a section of a view here
0:44:23 > 0:44:26but you can see it from some distance going both ways.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31It's a pity we can't get Roman-style solar panels, isn't it?
0:44:31 > 0:44:34Well, you can get photovoltaic tiles
0:44:34 > 0:44:38that are like slate look...slate appearance rather than solar panels,
0:44:38 > 0:44:41but there's a cost element to that.
0:44:41 > 0:44:42OK.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- Are you guys...? Can you see? - Seen it. Shall we go?- Yeah.
0:44:50 > 0:44:55The application has taken Rachel and Basil three months to prepare.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57The committee members have the power to override
0:44:57 > 0:44:59the recommendations of the officers.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03One speaker on this... Rachel Thompson.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07Each local authority has different rules on addressing the committee.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10Rachel is allowed three minutes.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14The solar panels which we are proposing are slick, slimline
0:45:14 > 0:45:16and low profile
0:45:16 > 0:45:22and would cover less than half of the lower part of the slate roof.
0:45:22 > 0:45:29I fail to agree that the sight of solar panels would be an eyesore.
0:45:29 > 0:45:30Thank you.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34With a recommendation to refuse planning permission,
0:45:34 > 0:45:36the councillors start the debate.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40I think that people walking along the city walls will say,
0:45:40 > 0:45:43"Yes, it is a pretty old building and it looks very nice
0:45:43 > 0:45:48"and how forward-thinking of the people to have solar panels on it."
0:45:48 > 0:45:51We can't stop the march of time
0:45:51 > 0:45:54and this is now what people are putting on the roofs of their houses
0:45:54 > 0:45:58to actually make the whole of the world more sustainable.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01Sometimes the conservation officer is wrong
0:46:01 > 0:46:02and in this case he is.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06It's finally time for the vote.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09All those in favour?
0:46:09 > 0:46:11The council have dismissed the recommendation
0:46:11 > 0:46:15and it's a unanimous yes for Rachel and Basil's solar panels.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17It's approved.
0:46:21 > 0:46:22Item 12...
0:46:24 > 0:46:27I can't believe it. It's just...
0:46:27 > 0:46:29Well beyond belief.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32I'm... I'm thrilled.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35And...they are right.
0:46:35 > 0:46:36I'm sure they're right.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40I was quite sure it would just be thrown out like that,
0:46:40 > 0:46:44and the thought of going to appeal, oh, dear.
0:46:45 > 0:46:51We reckon we need to live another ten years to get anything back!
0:46:51 > 0:46:53I should think we'll be long gone.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08In Cheltenham, the planning committee is also about to vote
0:47:08 > 0:47:10on changes to a listed building.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13Geraldine Beaty is about to find out
0:47:13 > 0:47:15if all her money spent on consultants
0:47:15 > 0:47:19is enough to buy her a parking space outside her Georgian home.
0:47:19 > 0:47:24We've got four bodies of expert input that we've paid for
0:47:24 > 0:47:27to put together the best possible proposal
0:47:27 > 0:47:32and, at best, my advisor is says it's 50/50.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40Even though every other house in the street has a dropped kerb,
0:47:40 > 0:47:43the conservation officer opposes the application,
0:47:43 > 0:47:46saying it would destroy the original garden layout.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49Councillors may see things differently.
0:47:49 > 0:47:51I want it to be refused - that's my recommendation.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53But they are the ones who will make the decision.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56Geraldine has brought her husband along for support.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00But she won't be speaking. She's got a consultant to do that.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06All the properties fronting onto Albert Road, a total of 16,
0:48:06 > 0:48:09have vehicular access to the front.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12The precedent set by this is therefore very significant
0:48:12 > 0:48:15and the impact of one more property,
0:48:15 > 0:48:17the final one in the immediate locality,
0:48:17 > 0:48:19having vehicular access to the front
0:48:19 > 0:48:22would not harm the conservation area.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25The councillors must now debate the application.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28The first signs are good for Geraldine.
0:48:28 > 0:48:34Every house there has got access to a driveway from the road.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36I-I... I think...
0:48:36 > 0:48:42bordering on churlish to not approve this application.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44Councillor Driver?
0:48:44 > 0:48:45But next to talk is Barbara,
0:48:45 > 0:48:49who clashed with Geraldine on the site visit.
0:48:49 > 0:48:55This house has got plenty of room at the back for the parking.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59They could even move the entrance way further down
0:48:59 > 0:49:02and make it larger if they wished, if they're having trouble.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05There is no need to change the front.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08I shall vote to refuse.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11With a split of opinion in the committee,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13it's time for the Cheltenham councillors to vote.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15All those in favour of approval?
0:49:17 > 0:49:18That's six.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Those against approval?
0:49:21 > 0:49:23That is seven.
0:49:23 > 0:49:24It is refused.
0:49:24 > 0:49:25Thank you.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28£10,000 the poorer,
0:49:28 > 0:49:31Geraldine and her husband will still have to park at the back.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34The planners have had their way.
0:49:34 > 0:49:35And so has Barbara.
0:49:35 > 0:49:40I don't vote on things on whether I like somebody or don't like somebody,
0:49:40 > 0:49:41or, indeed, do I know them.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44I vote on the issues that are there.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53What do we do now?
0:49:53 > 0:49:56I think we sleep on it, to be honest.
0:49:58 > 0:50:01SHE SIGHS It's so very frustrating.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03Very disappointing.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08We will have to sleep on it. We really will have to sleep on it.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20After further consultation with her team of planning experts,
0:50:20 > 0:50:24Geraldine decided to take her kerb to appeal.
0:50:32 > 0:50:38In Chester City, there's a shiny new addition to the town's historic roofline.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40- We had a leak.- A leak.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43Well, we weren't sure whether it was a leak or the dog.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Rachel and Basil Thompson are clearing up
0:50:45 > 0:50:50after the installation of their new, high-tech, energy-saving solar panels.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55This is an electric machine which...
0:50:55 > 0:50:56er...
0:50:56 > 0:50:58inverts...
0:50:58 > 0:51:00inverts...
0:51:00 > 0:51:03Oh, golly. It takes the...
0:51:03 > 0:51:06- the solar light...- That comes in...
0:51:06 > 0:51:08..and makes it into electricity.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11- That comes in...- More than that I really don't know.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15It comes in as DC and it's converted to AC,
0:51:15 > 0:51:18but why "inversion" I don't know.
0:51:18 > 0:51:23Rachel and Basil may be struggling to get to grips with the latest technology,
0:51:23 > 0:51:25but conservation officer John Healey
0:51:25 > 0:51:28is struggling to reconcile the old with the new.
0:51:31 > 0:51:35They just look, in my view, utterly alien,
0:51:35 > 0:51:37in the core of this historic city
0:51:37 > 0:51:40and I do worry that we might see
0:51:40 > 0:51:43other similar sorts of installations
0:51:43 > 0:51:46on historic buildings ultimately to the detriment
0:51:46 > 0:51:50of the overall character and integrity of the city.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53It just looks like a roof with stripes on.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56I think they look fantastic.
0:51:56 > 0:51:57Don't you?
0:51:57 > 0:52:00- I'm not used to it yet.- OK.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03I rest my case for the moment.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05I don't think you can take it personally.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07Ultimately, the decision is with members.
0:52:07 > 0:52:09The members have taken this decision.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11Hopefully, you know,
0:52:11 > 0:52:15they might, perhaps, be able to take a look at this
0:52:15 > 0:52:20and reconsider whether it was indeed the best decision to have taken.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23You don't think it was?
0:52:23 > 0:52:24Well...
0:52:24 > 0:52:26HE LAUGHS
0:52:26 > 0:52:28Shall we just cut that one?
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Some decisions by planning committees
0:52:34 > 0:52:38have the power to transform the landscape forever.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41The push to get Britain building means those changes
0:52:41 > 0:52:45are affecting land that was always considered protected.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48In Winsford in Cheshire,
0:52:48 > 0:52:51councillors are being asked to throw out plans
0:52:51 > 0:52:55to build 540 new homes on farmland.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58So we just thought we'd meet them with our signs,
0:52:58 > 0:52:59ready and waiting.
0:52:59 > 0:53:02You can't give an opinion at this stage, can you?
0:53:02 > 0:53:05Certainly cannot. You're dead right there.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08- Why not? - Cos our minds have to be open
0:53:08 > 0:53:12until we've all heard everything, don't we? Yes.
0:53:13 > 0:53:14Morning.
0:53:16 > 0:53:18Hello.
0:53:19 > 0:53:24Head planner Fiona is recommending the scheme be approved.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27I wouldn't be a councillor because you are inevitably
0:53:27 > 0:53:30going to be the bad boy somewhere along the line.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35They may come to a different decision to the recommendation that we give them
0:53:35 > 0:53:39because you could argue that they are the eyes and ears of the local people.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42Quite often they'll go against what I say.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46Everybody's entitled to their own opinion, even if it's wrong.
0:53:48 > 0:53:54540 houses would be built by three separate developers.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57The objectors need to persuade the councillors
0:53:57 > 0:53:59to go against professional planning advice.
0:53:59 > 0:54:03These planning applications are not about developing Winsford,
0:54:03 > 0:54:05they're about maximising the profit for the developer.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07We, as residents, council tax payers
0:54:07 > 0:54:11and voters, are not interested in maximising developers' profits.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14We are simply looking for the right development in the right area of Winsford
0:54:14 > 0:54:17and this application simply isn't right for Winsford.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22With government policy encouraging new houses,
0:54:22 > 0:54:25the developers are in a strong position.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28Housing is needed and it's needed nationally
0:54:28 > 0:54:33and some of the land that is required will have to be on greenfield land.
0:54:33 > 0:54:37Now, this is a good site because it's in Winsford,
0:54:37 > 0:54:40and Winsford is a key settlement for the delivery of homes.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42The development is sustainable.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45There'll be longer-term benefits to the local economy.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47In addition, it's not widely visible,
0:54:47 > 0:54:50so it will have a limited impact on the landscape.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55Sandra and her fellow objectors must listen
0:54:55 > 0:54:57as the committee discuss the application.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00The application is a very large one.
0:55:00 > 0:55:06These 600 houses could be imposed on this lovely town of Winsford.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10That is too big a level of massing
0:55:10 > 0:55:12in one beautiful area.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15I shall be voting against this application this evening.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21Although they have the power to throw the plans out,
0:55:21 > 0:55:25if the developers appeal and are successful,
0:55:25 > 0:55:28the council could be forced to pay thousands in legal costs.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30It is extremely difficult.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32On the one hand, we have sympathy with the residents
0:55:32 > 0:55:34on the overdevelopment issues,
0:55:34 > 0:55:38and yet, on the other hand, we are up against it over this five-year plan.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41We may have every sympathy with the residents of Winsford
0:55:41 > 0:55:43but our hands are tied, Chairman.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48As I understand it, Winsford is still growing
0:55:48 > 0:55:52and it's still in need of affordable housing within the area.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54I think this is something that is going to be good for Winsford
0:55:54 > 0:55:57and I hope it's going to be good for the residents of Winsford as well
0:55:57 > 0:55:59and I would like to move approval.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07The three applications will be voted on separately.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10So, all those in favour, please show.
0:56:10 > 0:56:16The first vote on 120 of the houses goes overwhelmingly with the recommendation to approve.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18Against?
0:56:18 > 0:56:19One.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23All those in favour, please show.
0:56:23 > 0:56:28And the other two for the remaining 420 houses go the same way.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31Clearly, the recommendation is approved.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36After a nine-month campaign,
0:56:36 > 0:56:41Sandra and her neighbours have lost their open views.
0:56:41 > 0:56:44It's just disappointing. It's just disappointing that
0:56:44 > 0:56:47you want to do your best by everybody and...
0:56:49 > 0:56:53You just feel as if you've let people down, but, you know...
0:56:53 > 0:56:56It's bigger than... It's bigger than one person, isn't it?
0:56:56 > 0:57:00It's... You know, it's a bigger fight.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02Let's go.
0:57:03 > 0:57:07There were clearly a lot of very, very disappointed residents
0:57:07 > 0:57:12and they feel probably betrayed by the committee decision
0:57:12 > 0:57:16but, nevertheless, it's the decision that I think is the right one.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18I would have thought that if we'd have refused them,
0:57:18 > 0:57:20they'd have gone to appeal on all of them
0:57:20 > 0:57:22and they'd have probably won.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28This is a trend that's going to continue for months
0:57:28 > 0:57:29and possibly some years to come.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31So, interesting times.
0:57:37 > 0:57:38Next time on The Planners...
0:57:38 > 0:57:42The messiest garden in living memory...
0:57:42 > 0:57:44I've been in the building trade now
0:57:44 > 0:57:45for 38, no, 40...
0:57:45 > 0:57:4750? Bloody hell, how many years?
0:57:47 > 0:57:4947 years.
0:57:49 > 0:57:51- Another minibus.- Another minibus?
0:57:51 > 0:57:55An enforcement officer comes across the unthinkable -
0:57:55 > 0:57:57an admirer.
0:57:57 > 0:57:59I might write to the Queen anyway for the OBE.
0:58:02 > 0:58:03HE CHUCKLES
0:58:03 > 0:58:04- Thank you. - You don't believe me, do you?
0:58:07 > 0:58:09And news of a modern housing development
0:58:09 > 0:58:12leads to insurrection, Cotswolds style.
0:58:12 > 0:58:14I'll take the wine!
0:58:14 > 0:58:15Oh, fiddlesticks.
0:58:15 > 0:58:19You don't stop fighting, you keep going to the last breath.
0:58:19 > 0:58:21The Lemon Field's just one of many fields.