0:00:03 > 0:00:06Britain is a green and pleasant land,
0:00:06 > 0:00:07but for how long?
0:00:07 > 0:00:09We're now getting into a situation where any site's
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 > 0:00:20If I have a house here,
0:00:20 > 0:00:23I'm thinking about building a sort of Berlin Wall.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25It's got to be at least six feet high.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27So, constructors are making plans...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Whoever designed THAT needs to be shot.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32..objectors are making noises...
0:00:32 > 0:00:34We've had bloody enough of it with what we got in this town
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- for councillors and the load of - BLEEP- they're putting up.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40..and neighbours are going to war.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44We always won our battles as a family and we'll win this one.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45In the firing line,
0:00:45 > 0:00:49shaping the country of the future, are Britain's planners.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- So, nothing happens in the hall, yes? - No.- No? Yes? No? Yes?
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Well, thanks for the house visit and, um, we'll see you on Thursday.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Another British planning cockup, really.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Whoa!
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Planning is not just about getting permission for new buildings.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18It's also about preserving our history.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24It's a system that protects not only the pomp and grandeur of our past,
0:01:24 > 0:01:29but also the industrial heritage that once made Britain a superpower.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Another lovely day in Chester.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Where the sun always shines on the righteous,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37but its raining on me.
0:01:37 > 0:01:38So, what does that say?
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Head Planner Fiona Edwards
0:01:43 > 0:01:46is on the site of an application that could see ultra-modern design
0:01:46 > 0:01:49collide with traditional Cheshire brick,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51the city's iconic Leadworks.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55One of the most historic landmarks in Chester.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59You can see it on the train, you can see it from the roads.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Grade Two Star listed building, in all its glory.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04It's a very important building for Chester,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06has got a long and illustrious past.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Used to make musket shot from the top.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Used to drop the lead down through some sieves
0:02:12 > 0:02:15and into water and it cooled and you got your musket balls.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20The shot tower is the tallest structure in Chester
0:02:20 > 0:02:24and has dominated the city's skyline for over 200 years.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Built during the Napoleonic war,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32molten lead was dripped from the top of the tower,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35cooling as it fell and forming perfect spherical shot
0:02:35 > 0:02:39as it hit the water basin 168 feet below.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44It diversified over the following centuries,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47employing over 300 men at its height.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50But as the toxic lead fell out of favour,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52nothing could stop its decline
0:02:52 > 0:02:57and, 11 years ago, its furnaces were extinguished for the last time.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04It is in a very, very sorry state.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07In fact, it's in a precarious state. It's really at risk now.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11And you can see that they've put some emergency protection on it
0:03:11 > 0:03:14but, really, I can't see it lasting many more winters
0:03:14 > 0:03:16if something isn't done to it.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18It's really the last broken piece of the fabric
0:03:18 > 0:03:20of this part of the canal corridor.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23I think it's important that we get a really, really good scheme,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26not just for the building itself, but for the surrounding area
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and...has to be done, otherwise we're going to lose it.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32And if we were responsible, and I think if I was responsible
0:03:32 > 0:03:35in seeing this building disappear at some point, I'd have...
0:03:35 > 0:03:39I think I'd have a lot to answer to, to be honest with you.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43The tower has a Grade Two Star listing,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47putting it among the top 10% of protected buildings in the country.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53The man tasked with the redesign of the iconic building
0:03:53 > 0:03:55is architect, Matt Brook.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Probably a bit dripped on. Um...
0:03:58 > 0:04:02So, that's one of the early visualisations of the scheme.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06The idea was really, these are kind of, almost lead extrusions.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09We've used a lead-coloured metallic cladding on there,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11On the outside, we've tried to play down the fenestration
0:04:11 > 0:04:13and give it more of an industrial vernacular.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16The cladding is shiplap so it will give it that textural quality
0:04:16 > 0:04:18that'll sit well with the brickwork
0:04:18 > 0:04:19on the original scheme
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and give it visual interest as people get nearer.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26It's lead-ish and it's a hint to the former function of the site.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29The development will include
0:04:29 > 0:04:341,000 square metres of shops and restaurants beneath 53 apartments.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39It's a radical redesign...
0:04:41 > 0:04:43..but conservation organisation English Heritage
0:04:43 > 0:04:46has backed the £7 million pound scheme.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51You do feel a weight of responsibility in a way,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54dealing with a building at this point in its life-cycle,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56because if we can't get this scheme to move forward,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00you are onto a vicious circle, where the building is going to
0:05:00 > 0:05:04slowly fall into a greater state of disrepair and it obviously
0:05:04 > 0:05:07needs more money pumped into it to get the scheme to work.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09So I think it probably is the building's last chance,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12and hopefully we've come up with the right solution to save it, really,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and give it that future - preserve it for future generations.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21The developers have the funding but not planning permission.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29And with the scheme now public, it needs the support of the locals.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32That, I find, is particularly offensive...
0:05:32 > 0:05:36The Civic Trust are a voluntary body that represents the locals
0:05:36 > 0:05:40on issues that affect Chester's listed buildings.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44We want something that will put that area on the map.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Not something we're going to go,
0:05:46 > 0:05:47"Ooh, we're stuck with it for 100 years."
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Fantastic work down there. Absolutely.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Not everyone gets planning permission
0:05:55 > 0:05:57before they start building work.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Often it's down to the public to bring unauthorised changes
0:06:00 > 0:06:02to the attention of the planners.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04Nial Casselden,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Cheshire West's Principal Planning Enforcement Officer,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10has received a tip-off about a breach
0:06:10 > 0:06:12of planning that requires his immediate attention.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Today was probably
0:06:20 > 0:06:23one of the easier sites to find, I would say.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27The property owner is Swedish.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31He went away for a few days, and his mates from the pub came round
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and painted the George Cross on the front of his house.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35It's quite a tidy job,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38considering it was done by a bunch of people from a pub,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41I'm quite surprised, actually, by how neat and tidy it is!
0:06:41 > 0:06:43The lines are quite straight.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I'm not sure I could paint lines quite that straight!
0:06:48 > 0:06:52'It is a conservation area, and within this particular area,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55'you do need planning permission to paint the outside of your house.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59'It will have to be repainted in a more appropriate manner!'
0:07:01 > 0:07:04So Nial has written to the homeowner.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06If he doesn't reply within 14 days,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10there'll be an enforcement notice ordering him to repaint.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14If he ignores that, then it becomes a criminal matter.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17I got a letter from the council
0:07:17 > 0:07:20that I'm not allowed to have it, which I understand.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24The Swedish owner has now asked his best friend to put things right.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31I'd prefer a yellow and blue flag, to be honest!
0:07:31 > 0:07:35We spent years winding each other about England, Sweden.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38He's got his three crowns tattoos and things like that.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41So it's been years in the planning.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43They haven't got a sense of humour, most Swedish people.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46And Tomas has fitted in really well, because he has fitted
0:07:46 > 0:07:50into the English humour dead quick, dead well,
0:07:50 > 0:07:51so he kind of like gets it.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53But I think he gets it!
0:07:57 > 0:08:00I'm not happy about it, actually, mate!
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- You're getting it repainted for nothing out of it.- True.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Are you going to clean the gutter out?
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Not all enforcement cases end so amicably.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18In Winsford, Nial's been called to investigate a potential
0:08:18 > 0:08:21breach of planning that is causing a dispute between neighbours.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24He's got one up there that revolves,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28another the other side of this flag, top of there.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- That one revolves into our garden. - OK, right.- He's got two up there.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Yeah, I can see.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Homeowners are allowed security cameras on their property,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41as long as they're more than ten metres apart.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Nial needs to decide if there's been a planning breach
0:08:43 > 0:08:45or just a falling out.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- One at the side of the house, at the top.- Yeah.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51He's approaching into our privacy as well. We don't get on.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I don't like him. If he wants to secure his property, that's fine.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57There's no need to secure my property, is there?
0:08:57 > 0:08:59I'll take a few pictures of these, because what we have to do is
0:08:59 > 0:09:04- determine whether or not the cameras require planning permission.- Right.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Like you say, I don't mind them,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09because that one points into our garden and the next door's garden.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Same with the back one.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14It's pointing right into our back gardens.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16We're here to enforce planning legislation,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and if something falls outside of planning legislation,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22we have no remit to get involved in it, unfortunately.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Just in the same way that we are not the garden police,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26we're not social workers either.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30He's got plenty for security.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- They're doing everything that they need to do.- Yeah.- That one...
0:09:33 > 0:09:36I know it's there, he knows it's getting to me being there.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40On this one, I think there may be some scope for intervention by us,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43because I think that a number of those cameras
0:09:43 > 0:09:46go beyond the scope of permitted development.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Now Nial's heard Leslie's concerns, he'll need to speak
0:09:51 > 0:09:55to his neighbour before deciding if the cameras need to come down.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57But passions are running equally high
0:09:57 > 0:09:59on the other side of the fence.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01It's my right to keep them on my property.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05I can either have these or just be harassed or burgled.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08It's not a case of... It's like saying, let's get rid of
0:10:08 > 0:10:11all the CCTV cameras in London and Manchester.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Would that ever happen? No.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Elmore, Gloucestershire -
0:10:20 > 0:10:22a village of 216 people.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Among them, a husband, a wife and their two-year-old son.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27What colour is that?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29It's...blue.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32It's not blue! It's green, you monkey.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Your typical family.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39But not your typical family home.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54This is Elmore Court, an estate that's been owned by the Baronetcy
0:10:54 > 0:10:58of Highnam since the 13th century. And following 13 generations,
0:10:58 > 0:11:03is now the responsibility of Anselm Guise, the new lord of the manor.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08I came here five years ago.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12And my uncle passed away in May 2007.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17But we've been here a lot longer. We've been here for 750 years.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30That's my uncle. There's my grandfather -
0:11:30 > 0:11:34the little boy with the red hair - and my great-grandfather,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36which is...
0:11:36 > 0:11:39If Anselm thought that the family pile would come with piles of cash,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41he was wrong.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46The 13 cottages and six farms on his 1,250-acre estate
0:11:46 > 0:11:49are not covering the upkeep of the house.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54Running costs are about £165,000 a year.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57What's happening is that I am just getting more and more overdrawn
0:11:57 > 0:12:00and we sell something. And since I've been here,
0:12:00 > 0:12:04we've sold a few pictures, we sold a cottage, you know.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09And the estate is just going to shrink and shrink and shrink.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13So Anselm has come up with a plan.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17He has applied to build a wedding venue behind the mansion.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20The £600,000 he aims to turn over from the new business
0:12:20 > 0:12:23would put Elmore Court back in the black.
0:12:24 > 0:12:31In order to do events here, we want to hold events outside of the house,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34because the house is very old and historic and all the rest of it.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36But we have a problem with noise.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42It is quiet here, and we have had a few events here...
0:12:42 > 0:12:4640th birthdays and stuff. And people can hear it.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49And people have complained, and all the rest of it.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53So we want to build a soundproofed space
0:12:53 > 0:12:56to hold the event part of a wedding.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59The back of the building is going to be about here,
0:12:59 > 0:13:05and this kind of old ruin is going to be actually
0:13:05 > 0:13:08retained as part of it, but inside the building.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10The other side of it is going to be a stage.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14The walls are all going to be made out of this rammed earth
0:13:14 > 0:13:18which is got out of the ground literally 100 yards that way.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22The whole building, it's almost like it is going to come out of the land,
0:13:22 > 0:13:29and provide this just amazing space which we can have dancing
0:13:29 > 0:13:33until midnight, and we can do that without upsetting anyone.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Stroud Principal Planner Elly Jackson
0:13:37 > 0:13:40is handling the Elmore Court application.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Not only does she have to balance
0:13:45 > 0:13:49a modern build within a historic environment,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53but also the noise from a 6,700-square-foot function venue.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57I mean, it's quite a... You look at the footprint of it,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59it's quite big!
0:13:59 > 0:14:04It's as big as the house, in terms of the kind of...
0:14:04 > 0:14:06service area.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Well, for what you're wanting to...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12to run, it needs to accommodate people.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- It needs room for that first wedding dance!- It certainly does.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22That's standing in the field out there, looking towards the house.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26That's a window, there is a window there, and there's a little door.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32It really doesn't affect the view of the house, which is quite unusual.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35You presumably have done figures and got an idea
0:14:35 > 0:14:39of how many functions you are likely to be able to accommodate.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43To make it break even, it needs to do about 50 a year.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50That's an event most weekends, and a lot of potential noise.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54As part of the planning process, Elly is notifying
0:14:54 > 0:14:58neighbours of his plans. They have 21 days to respond.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05It is very early days, and I will be waiting to see what responses
0:15:05 > 0:15:08we get, both from neighbours and not forgetting
0:15:08 > 0:15:11our important colleagues in Environmental Health
0:15:11 > 0:15:13on the noise issues.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Because I think we're well aware
0:15:15 > 0:15:18that Anselm knows how to put on a good party.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21We won't come to any final view until we get those responses.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25It is hopefully one that we will be able to support,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27but it is too early to say at this stage.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Developers have unveiled an ultra-modern plan to remodel
0:15:39 > 0:15:42and save the historic Leadworks in Chester.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47But their plans have not gone down well with the city's Civic Trust.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49This 400 member voluntary group
0:15:49 > 0:15:53want a more sympathetic redevelopment of this historic site.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Those objecting have provided very substantial arguments
0:15:57 > 0:16:00against the development,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03quoting recently adopted Chester planning policy.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06And, unfortunately, we are all being ignored!
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Johnny Arnott has lived next the Leadworks for 62 years.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15He has come to Liverpool to do some research into the architects.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19This Mann Island building
0:16:19 > 0:16:21is the same architects
0:16:21 > 0:16:23who is going to do the shot tower.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27This is his idea of what looks nice, and what we, the public,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30have got to live with for the rest of our lives.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34The shot tower thing is terrible, that's the only word for it.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36To paraphrase Prince Charles,
0:16:36 > 0:16:42"It looks like a carbuncle on the face of a much loved friend."
0:16:47 > 0:16:51The architects of the Leadworks and the Liverpool Waterside scheme
0:16:51 > 0:16:53are based just 500 yards away.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57One of the jobs
0:16:57 > 0:16:59of architecture in a way is to encourage debate.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01I'd much rather create a building
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and a scheme that forced people to have a reaction to it, rather than
0:17:04 > 0:17:08something that was so bland that people walked by and didn't notice.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11It would be very easy for an architect to do a very
0:17:11 > 0:17:14bland scheme that doesn't draw any response, a ho-hum scheme.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18I think if you are getting a reaction, good or bad,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21you are actually doing something different.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24It looks like a black tooth in your set of teeth.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29The white buildings at the side, they are sinking.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Sink, sink, sink, sink, sink, sink. It's gone! What a shame.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Sorry Mr Architect.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39I think if architects and developers aren't brave
0:17:39 > 0:17:42in trying to create good contemporary architecture,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44the danger is there is no new heritage
0:17:44 > 0:17:46for future generations to enjoy.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48That is definitely our approach.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53But their approach has faced strong opposition,
0:17:53 > 0:17:58so the Leadworks scheme is going before Chester's planning committee.
0:17:58 > 0:18:0311 men and women from all walks of life, elected for a 4 year term.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06We have had an amount of training,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08and we bring a background of experience to it.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12That's what politicians do. We are informed amateurs, I suppose.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- That's what I would say. Would you agree with that?- Yeah.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21These councillors will decide the fate of this £7 million development.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25They have professional opinion to inform their decision.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30The recommendation is asking
0:18:30 > 0:18:33the planning committee
0:18:33 > 0:18:36to approve the application.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38I'd like to see that building
0:18:38 > 0:18:42saved for the future, and I think this is a good design.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44And I would like to see members give it an approval
0:18:44 > 0:18:46'at the end of the day.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48'Ultimately, I can advise to the best of my ability.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51'At the end of the day, members will make that decision.'
0:18:53 > 0:18:56The new buildings would be sheet panelling,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59which is aluminium with a powder coated finish.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03With a colour similar to lead,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06which is reflecting the lead history of the site.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11If you're going to bring
0:19:11 > 0:19:15modern architecture into linking up with history,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18it's got to be right. As part of the planning committee,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20we need to make sure that we listen to everything
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and look at all of the documentation, and that
0:19:23 > 0:19:27the materials, if it is going to be brought back in, will be in keeping.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30So there will be a lot of controversy.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33It goes back to being between a rock and a hard place! Yeah.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39You can put modern contemporary design of very high quality
0:19:39 > 0:19:42next to historic fabric.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45That is a difficult concept for a lot of people to grasp.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47They see Chester as either being
0:19:47 > 0:19:50black-and-white timbered buildings or red brick.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53It is just getting people to grasp those sorts of concepts.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57People are talking about it being big, of an industrial scale,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59not the right materials,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02but they forget that it is an industrial building,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05and the materials that they are proposing are industrial in nature.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07So it is just a different form to brick,
0:20:07 > 0:20:11which a lot of people found difficult to understand.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- That window up there...- That's where they put the lift shaft.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16It's incredibly difficult.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19All of us have different views and they're controversial.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20It's a very controversial decision
0:20:20 > 0:20:23that's being taken.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26It's one where I'd rather be on holiday.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35In Gloucestershire, the future
0:20:35 > 0:20:40of Anselm Guise's ancestral home, Elmore Court, hangs in the balance.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44If his planning application to build a wedding venue is refused,
0:20:44 > 0:20:45he may have no option
0:20:45 > 0:20:51but to sell the home that has been in his family for 750 years.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54We're progressing with Elmore Court.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57One of the latest developments is that the councillors asked that
0:20:57 > 0:21:01it to go to the planning committee if we have objections
0:21:01 > 0:21:06either from Highways or from any individuals.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Although Highways don't have any problems with it,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12we've had three objections so far from neighbours.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17One main worry is the potential for noise and loud music.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18They could make a good case
0:21:18 > 0:21:21that the noise and disturbance will outweigh the benefits
0:21:21 > 0:21:25of this scheme, so it is something
0:21:25 > 0:21:30where it is unsure as to which way it will go now.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33People are worried.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36We did have a party once, but that was
0:21:36 > 0:21:37four years ago. Over four years ago.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43One party in five years which was quite noisy.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47But I've got one, almost two kids now.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49We're going to be living here.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51We can't have noise happening right by the house.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56But it's not just one party that has tainted Anselm's reputation.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58It's no secret in Elmore
0:21:58 > 0:22:02that he is also a former DJ and festival organiser.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05When I first came, there were a lot of people sort of,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07"Is Glastonbury going to turn up
0:22:07 > 0:22:10"in our fields?" and all this sort of stuff.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13And, you know, it's an understandable thing.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17It's trying to shake free of a perceived reputation
0:22:17 > 0:22:21that I might have. The truth of the matter is we're a wedding venue.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26And, you know, it's not an electronic, 4-day,
0:22:26 > 0:22:3010,000 people rave in the back field.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39To reduce the noise, Anselm's using an ancient rammed-earth
0:22:39 > 0:22:41technique for the walls of his venue, with mud
0:22:41 > 0:22:45from beneath the fields of his estate. He's testing the theory.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49This is a mini version of the real deal.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54You put a layer of earth, then you do another layer.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57You keep building it up until you've gone right up to the top.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00It's quite experimental and it's crazy that we're doing it
0:23:00 > 0:23:02but I think it's going to be amazing.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05You can tell how unfit I am.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11The mock-up is for Stroud Planning Committee to see when they visit.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Their vote will decide whether he'll ever build the real thing.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18It's scary cos we've got momentum now.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21People are beginning to realise what we're doing.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24People are getting excited. We've got staff employed
0:23:24 > 0:23:28and we've entered the timeline of our business plan.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31It's nerve-racking for me.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I mean, the long-term thing is,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36am I always going to remain employed here?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38If, you know, especially if
0:23:38 > 0:23:40the planning permission doesn't go ahead.
0:23:40 > 0:23:46There's a doubt on the horizon what might actually happen. You know.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51We are all thinking of our futures. We have young families and the like.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53We enjoy so much what we do here
0:23:53 > 0:23:56and this is the catch to it, really.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57It's not just about the project.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59It's about being here at Elmore Court.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01It is a beautiful place to be.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04If we don't get it? What will I do? I don't know.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06It would be bad.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09All the people who work here would probably have to stop
0:24:09 > 0:24:14working because I won't be able to afford to pay their salaries.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16We're not... We're going to get it. We've got to get it.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Yeah.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24The people who will make that decision are on their way -
0:24:24 > 0:24:26the Stroud Planning Committee.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- Are we near the ice-cream factory? - No, that's the other side.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31- Oh, is it? - That's on the other common.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34I get confused with commons.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36With so much at stake for the staff of Elmore,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40only the family china will do.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46We decided the mugs are going to be replaced with cups
0:24:46 > 0:24:51and saucers, much more appropriate for our guests today.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Joining the planning committee for her first site visit
0:24:54 > 0:24:58is retired teacher, Liz Ashton.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I received the papers, as we call them,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04on Friday, but I had an appointment with
0:25:04 > 0:25:06the couch and the television all weekend.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08So, I've been...
0:25:08 > 0:25:13For the last day, I was up at five o'clock this morning swotting it up.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17We've got the planning bible, if I can reach it. Just a minute.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21I can't reach it.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Cos I'm too...
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Thank you. Thanks, Stephen.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33So I had my Stroud District planning bible
0:25:33 > 0:25:37so I could look up all the numbers that are in the planning application.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41They make reference to H9, G1...
0:25:43 > 0:25:47..paragraph 47 in their national planning thing.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49I don't know what they are at the moment
0:25:49 > 0:25:51so I decided I had to do some proper homework.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54That's what I've been doing for the last day
0:25:54 > 0:25:58so that I could be knowledgeable and ask some good questions.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- Can I take you through to where...? - Let's go.- Can we follow them in?
0:26:10 > 0:26:16The applicant is now proposing to use the house for wedding ceremonies.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Do we actually lay down in planning "a wedding venue"?
0:26:20 > 0:26:26- Or is this effectively a function venue?- It's a function venue.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30So you could have 24 hours, people coming into the car park, noise.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33It wouldn't just be weddings at weekends.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35It could be right through the week, seven days a week.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I was super confident. Now I'm, like...
0:26:38 > 0:26:41It's a bit like having an interview for a really important job.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45And there's Elly. HE LAUGHS
0:26:45 > 0:26:50Neighbours are worried that the proposed venue will be too noisy
0:26:50 > 0:26:52but Anselm has a solution.
0:26:52 > 0:26:58Could I draw to your attention a section of rammed-earth walling?
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- Is that for environmental reasons? It's sustainable?- It's mainly noise.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's good for noise, is it?
0:27:05 > 0:27:08It's very much in the hands of the councillors once something
0:27:08 > 0:27:09goes to committee.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14It has the potential to go very right and also to go very wrong.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23In Winsford, Cheshire the appearance of CCTV cameras on this
0:27:23 > 0:27:26end-of-terrace house has caused a dispute between neighbours
0:27:26 > 0:27:28and may be a breach of planning.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Since Nial's site visit, his enforcement team have been
0:27:33 > 0:27:38working to resolve the case, but with little success.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40A couple of enforcement officers visited
0:27:40 > 0:27:44the premises about three weeks ago
0:27:44 > 0:27:47to try and speak to the property owner.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52Unfortunately, the officers didn't receive a good reception
0:27:52 > 0:27:55and were asked to leave the property before we'd had an opportunity
0:27:55 > 0:27:58to provide the advice.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59I had a planning officer come,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02and I ejected her because she didn't know what she was talking about.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Basically she told me to rip all the cameras down
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and I just laughed and ejected her from the premises.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10KNOCKING
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Hello?
0:28:13 > 0:28:15'Hopefully, he'll be a little
0:28:15 > 0:28:19'more willing to discuss the matter with us this time.'
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Hi, there.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27'We don't want to have to serve an enforcement notice.'
0:28:27 > 0:28:32If the property owner continues to not co-operate with us,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34'we'll be left with no option.'
0:28:34 > 0:28:37It's overlooking my land and the driveway.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39We'll discuss all that under planning.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- Some things come under different... - You can't have one for one roof...
0:28:42 > 0:28:44No. We're not going to do that.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- I'm just saying... Do you know what I mean?- Yeah.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Yeah, we understand that.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53What's that little thing there? Is that a light? A spotlight?
0:28:53 > 0:28:55- That one's a camera.- OK.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- That's a camera.- OK. - I'd rather comply than not comply.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02I don't want to argue.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05I like facts. If you can't give me facts, no good to me.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06No. Sure.
0:29:06 > 0:29:11- At the moment, at the back, there's just these two?- Yeah.- OK.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13With a camera allowed every ten metres,
0:29:13 > 0:29:17the back of the house complies with planning law.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Shall we have a look at the front then, please?
0:29:22 > 0:29:24- See on that corner there? - That one there?
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Look round and then you've got this one on the pole here.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Oh, and one in the wall there.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- I was going to say you've got one in the wall.- Forgot that.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37On the front, we've got one, two...four.
0:29:39 > 0:29:40Plus the post boxes on the outside
0:29:40 > 0:29:43so if anyone's messing with the post box...
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Do you know what I'm saying?
0:29:45 > 0:29:48But with 4 cameras in the space of 20 metres,
0:29:48 > 0:29:51the front of the house doesn't comply with planning rules.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56James is told to take the one camera on the pole down.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59It was amicable and everyone's happy.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Everyone's seen everything. Nothing was hidden.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Now I've got the right information, there's not a problem.
0:30:07 > 0:30:13By and large, this case is pretty much resolved and, fortunately,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15we've been able to resolve it amicably.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17So that's all to the good.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22I've been upset about them cameras over the years.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Job's a good 'un.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Are you going to get on better with him?- To be honest,
0:30:26 > 0:30:30if he leaves me alone, I'll leave him alone. We'll get on.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44250 miles away in the Scottish Borders, planner
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Barry Fotheringham has noticed a growing trend on his patch.
0:30:50 > 0:30:51I'm finding
0:30:51 > 0:30:54an increase in the number of small-scale developments,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58whether it be one, two, three-house
0:30:58 > 0:31:01developments or house extensions,
0:31:01 > 0:31:04steading conversions, that sort of development.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Barry's on his way to see a small developer with big ambitions,
0:31:08 > 0:31:14Bristol-born architectural technician Hugo Sanders.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18When Hugo arrived in Scotland 19 years ago, he lived next door to
0:31:18 > 0:31:21a planner, and was inspired to become a property developer.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24Once you start
0:31:24 > 0:31:27and it gets in your blood, it's very difficult to get out.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29You've got to build another house.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35The plan is for two houses in his back garden.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41If he gets to build them, he could make £400,000 profit.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Our two sons are coming to the age where they are going to university,
0:31:47 > 0:31:51and we need to pay for education and that kind of thing.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56Building a house and selling it would help a great deal.
0:31:56 > 0:32:03There's this curved ridge, it's kind of a Balinese style.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07The reason why I chose that was because
0:32:07 > 0:32:11modern architecture is taken from Japanese style
0:32:11 > 0:32:15where everything's very square and logically built.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21'We've got to find a new identity for the computer age,
0:32:21 > 0:32:25'otherwise our age will be defined by always looking'
0:32:25 > 0:32:30back into the past, which is wrong, isn't it?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37But Foulden is a traditional village,
0:32:37 > 0:32:41and Hugo's vision of the future is not shared by everyone.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43There's a painting here of
0:32:43 > 0:32:48my great-great-great-grandfather's sister
0:32:48 > 0:32:51who was painted by the court artist of the Tsar.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55MUSIC: "A Wee Deoch An' Doris" by Harry Lauder
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Gregory Lauder-Frost is the great nephew of
0:32:58 > 0:33:02Scotland's legendary entertainer, Sir Harry Lauder.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06He's also the current chair of the local community council
0:33:06 > 0:33:10and head of the objectors to Hugo's designs.
0:33:10 > 0:33:16Well, we felt that it was very, very ultra-modern.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22This is an ancient parish and we want it to retain
0:33:22 > 0:33:24a certain atmosphere a certain aura.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28We're not opposed to people building a house
0:33:28 > 0:33:31but we want it to look nice and twee.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Barry is making his first visit to the site.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40He'll then make a recommendation on Hugo's plans.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44We've got some concerns over the existing access
0:33:44 > 0:33:48and whether that's suitable to absorb additional traffic.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52We've also got concerns with regards to the impact the proposed
0:33:52 > 0:33:56dwelling houses may have on the playing fields as well.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Barry's concerns focus on two large properties
0:33:59 > 0:34:02lying on this half-acre of land.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07Hugo's chances of realising his plans and profit are looking slim.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13If we feel that the proposal doesn't comply with policy,
0:34:13 > 0:34:17we could easily make a recommendation to refuse the application.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26It's the day of the committee meeting that will decide
0:34:26 > 0:34:29the fate of Chester's historic Leadworks,
0:34:29 > 0:34:34and architect Matt Brook's £7 million vision to bring shops,
0:34:34 > 0:34:39apartments and office space to the city's canal side.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41It's a long time in the designing
0:34:41 > 0:34:44cos we're passionate about creating something
0:34:44 > 0:34:48which adds to Chester as an overall city. It's not just about that site.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50It's about the role that that site can play
0:34:50 > 0:34:53in the regeneration of that bit of Chester.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55You only get one chance at heritage, once it's gone,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57it's gone.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58If you had an old Rolls-Royce,
0:34:58 > 0:35:01you'd try to make it as original as you could.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03You wouldn't put alloy wheels on it.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05You'd get it back to original.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08And I think it should be the same with these buildings.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09You only get one chance.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16The Chester Civic Trust are the voice of the objectors.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21The application recommendation remains the same.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22Thank you, Chair.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26They're strongly opposed to Head Planner Fiona's recommendation
0:35:26 > 0:35:28to approve this scheme...
0:35:28 > 0:35:33- Madam Chairman, committee...- ..and are determined to block it.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37The idea of reflecting the Leadworks'
0:35:37 > 0:35:42heritage by using alien and cheap, grey-coloured materials on
0:35:42 > 0:35:44industrial-type structures is crude.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48What it will actually produce is a brutal and gloomy
0:35:48 > 0:35:53set of buildings that loom over the canal and the homes of local people.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56There is no need to accept this cheap
0:35:56 > 0:35:59and ugly scheme which breaches a host of planning policies.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Chester deserves and could achieve a better solution
0:36:02 > 0:36:04so we urge you to refuse the application.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07APPLAUSE
0:36:15 > 0:36:19The developers have three minutes to respond to criticisms.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23We're not in the business of demolishing listed buildings.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27However, by the selective demolition of the later parts of the building,
0:36:27 > 0:36:29we can provide a more sustainable solution
0:36:29 > 0:36:31and an improved setting for the shot tower.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34The design is challenging and is not to everyone's taste
0:36:34 > 0:36:37but it is encouraged by English Heritage who steered us
0:36:37 > 0:36:41away from the use of brick elevations in order to avoid a pastiche design.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45This is a modern solution to match with the listed part of the building.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Now, it's time for the committee to discuss
0:36:52 > 0:36:57the merits of the application before putting it to the vote.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01I can't believe that that's been put in front of us today.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05It strikes me as being a complete mess
0:37:05 > 0:37:12and it will be a tragedy for Chester if this were built like THAT there.
0:37:12 > 0:37:19I think, to use the pun, whoever designed that needs to be shot.
0:37:19 > 0:37:25It's a complete mess. I would like to move, at this moment, refusal.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28I can't see that we're going to debate this for half an hour.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32It's a lacklustre application and Chester
0:37:32 > 0:37:35and the shot tower deserve better.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37MURMURS OF APPROVAL
0:37:37 > 0:37:40If we're going to do it, let's get it right.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41APPLAUSE
0:37:44 > 0:37:46I think we should cut this debate short.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49I'm happy to second her motion for refusal
0:37:49 > 0:37:50and we should vote on refusal.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00With the plans about to be overwhelmingly rejected,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03the developers get a message to Fiona.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09I have just been informed by the applicants
0:38:09 > 0:38:11that they now wish to withdraw
0:38:11 > 0:38:13both the applications that you've just been debating
0:38:13 > 0:38:16and the subsequent listed building application.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19So they are withdrawn and there is no decision of this committee
0:38:19 > 0:38:21to be made on these applications.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23That was a waste of time, wasn't it?
0:38:23 > 0:38:28Thank you. OK, thank you, members.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29I think, the way
0:38:29 > 0:38:33it was going, the councillors were going to vote against it.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36That would have been seen by our side as a victory.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40The fact that the developers suddenly, at the last minute,
0:38:40 > 0:38:43walked away makes it a bit different.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47The fact is that, morally, we won.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I'm very pleased. It's had a stay of execution.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52You wonder what they'll come back with.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54They're not going to just go away.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55I suspect they'll reset plans
0:38:55 > 0:38:58and we'll go through this again.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00That's what I'm guessing.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03That planning application we put forward
0:39:03 > 0:39:05cost upwards of 150-200,000.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09It's tomes and tomes of information.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11And to see it being dismissed
0:39:11 > 0:39:15in ten minutes as ill-conceived, rushed, not thought through,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18a horrendous design, you know,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20it is pretty heartbreaking
0:39:20 > 0:39:23considering all the effort you've put into the scheme.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27By withdrawing from committee before the vote,
0:39:27 > 0:39:31the developers can now re-evaluate and consider their next steps.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35But with so much money already invested in this scheme,
0:39:35 > 0:39:37they are not going to walk away.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49In the Scottish Borders, developer Hugo Sanders also had his initial
0:39:49 > 0:39:51development knocked back.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55Originally, when Hugo submitted these plans, it was for two houses.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00They were quite futuristic and maybe a little bit zany.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Neighbour Sue, like many residents
0:40:03 > 0:40:07of Foulden, has closely followed Hugo's planning applications.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10He's cut it down to one house,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13which is a little bit more acceptable to everyone.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17He's got a good heart and he did listen to me.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I told him if he didn't listen to me,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21he'd have to buy me lots of drink.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Being a miserable so-and-so, I think that swung it.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28We got a picture of the shingle roofs here...
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Hugo may have reduced the plans from two to one house,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36but he's not toned down his design.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38It is a bit Tolkien-esque.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40There is a Harry Potter element to it.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44This area, because it's been the victim of
0:40:44 > 0:40:47mediocre planning decisions since the '70s,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49it needs a focus.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Well, I don't think the village
0:40:55 > 0:41:00exists for Hugo or anyone else to put their special projects in it.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01It's got a very modern
0:41:01 > 0:41:05almost Swedish-style design
0:41:05 > 0:41:12and this house is going to be twice as high as the houses nearby.
0:41:12 > 0:41:19It will cut out a great deal of sunlight and sunshine and warmth.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Hugo is a decent enough chap.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26The council and the neighbours felt they didn't like his proposal.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28It's nothing personal.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34There's a neighbour over here, who's also objecting.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39I think with that one, we've kept it through the formal channels.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42We just nod and say hi to each other,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45meanwhile there's this enormous battle raging
0:41:45 > 0:41:47over our heads.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51But will the concerns of the objectors
0:41:51 > 0:41:53be supported by Planner Barry Fotheringham?
0:41:55 > 0:41:57It's an unusual design and it's a unique design
0:41:57 > 0:42:03and clearly we are striving to improve levels of architecture,
0:42:03 > 0:42:07improve design, encourage innovative and contemporary design.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11I've made a recommendation in my report to approve the application.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Unfortunately for Hugo,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17he can't rely on Barry's report to green light his development.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22We re-consulted neighbours
0:42:22 > 0:42:24and the total number of objections exceeds four.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26We have got five or more objections
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and that would trigger the need for the application to go to committee.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Committee are also deciding the future of Elmore Court
0:42:39 > 0:42:41in Gloucestershire.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Anselm Guise recently inherited the 13th-century family home.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50He's only just discovering its rich past.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Initially, it didn't feel like my own house at all.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55I was quite nervous about it. But it wasn't so much to do with this.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59It was more to do with the fact that I had always come here as a kid.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01It was my uncle's house and, weirdly,
0:43:01 > 0:43:03I feel like it is mine now but, at the same time, I am
0:43:03 > 0:43:06thinking about my next of kin,
0:43:06 > 0:43:08that it is kind of intact for them and they can enjoy it,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10which is kind of why we're doing this whole project.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15Here is something that we found.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17Is it here?
0:43:17 > 0:43:21Somebody at some point has put a load of letters quite neatly...
0:43:21 > 0:43:22Here we go.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27Miss Florence Nightingale, 1820.
0:43:27 > 0:43:28Charles Dickens.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31He has got a hell of a signature.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33Check out Charles Dickens's signature.
0:43:33 > 0:43:34There is a nervousness.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37There is, like, you know, the planning thing is a big thing
0:43:37 > 0:43:41and if we don't get it then there will be a kind of awful
0:43:41 > 0:43:43reality where everyone would lose their jobs
0:43:43 > 0:43:46and I will have to get back to scratching my head
0:43:46 > 0:43:49and wondering what the hell to do and how to stop this,
0:43:49 > 0:43:54you know, 100,000 a year loss, essentially, which,
0:43:54 > 0:43:58you know, that is why the whole thing suddenly becomes an issue.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00Not only does everyone lose their jobs but we have probably got
0:44:00 > 0:44:03to sell the whole place or at least seriously consider it.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09Once or twice a week, I wake up at four in the morning and I'm like...
0:44:09 > 0:44:10HE GASPS
0:44:10 > 0:44:13..and I can't stop thinking about it and I have to go downstairs
0:44:13 > 0:44:17and drink coffee and make myself think about it more.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20The future of EVERYTHING is in these people's hands.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24At the council chambers,
0:44:24 > 0:44:27Anselm's application is about to go before committee.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29His family have come out to see
0:44:29 > 0:44:31what the future holds for their ancestral home.
0:44:31 > 0:44:35And his seven staff - to see what it holds for their jobs.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40But Anselm's party past threatens both.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43He's grown up.
0:44:43 > 0:44:44He has grown up quite a lot.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47Part of the objection is this sort of attitude that he wants to build
0:44:47 > 0:44:50a nightclub round the back, which I think is actually really funny.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53I shouldn't say that cos it is someone's legitimate concern
0:44:53 > 0:44:57but, you know, we have a child who is two and another one on the way.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00I mean, it's just... And also the idea of having a nightclub
0:45:00 > 0:45:01in Elmore is quite funny.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07The objectors won't be speaking at the meeting.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09They're hoping that the planners' reports
0:45:09 > 0:45:11raise their worries about noise.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15Anselm has three minutes to present his case.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20I believe there is someone who would like to speak
0:45:20 > 0:45:23on behalf of the application. Would you come forward now, please?
0:45:25 > 0:45:27Dear committee members,
0:45:27 > 0:45:30my family has been living at Elmore for 750 years.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32The house was built to entertain,
0:45:32 > 0:45:35so the plan is to primarily create a catered events space.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39It has been designed so that when music is played inside it,
0:45:39 > 0:45:40it will actually be quieter than
0:45:40 > 0:45:42the sound of someone breathing normally
0:45:42 > 0:45:46in the gardens of our neighbours. Should you grant us permission,
0:45:46 > 0:45:48we will create something that is great for Elmore.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51Please give us the green light to do this. Thank you.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00Now it's down to the committee to decide the fate of Elmore Court.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07It's come to a vote. Contenders on the table as per officer advice.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10All those in favour, please, show.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12That is unanimous for this to go.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Hey!
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- Yeah.- Yeah. Result. Result.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27I'll wipe the tears away.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Yeah. It's like winning the gold medal at the Olympics.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34The success continues.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36I am actually a bit overwhelmed.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40I need to regroup a little bit to be able to, sort of...
0:46:40 > 0:46:43I've got Edward on the phone. Tell him.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45Eddie. Hello, Eddie.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47I've just got planning permission
0:46:47 > 0:46:49to build a big party venue behind Elmore.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54Right, I think we need to go and I really need a drink.
0:46:54 > 0:46:55Yeah, let's.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59With a big party venue in the bag,
0:46:59 > 0:47:01it's time to celebrate.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05So, I just wanted to say, "Wicked!"
0:47:05 > 0:47:06CHEERING
0:47:08 > 0:47:12We got it and thanks very much to everyone.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15So, cheers to Stroud District Council.
0:47:20 > 0:47:21Well done, Anselm!
0:47:31 > 0:47:35Developer Hugo Sanders is at the Scottish Borders Council
0:47:35 > 0:47:38to find out if he can build the fantasy house in his back garden
0:47:38 > 0:47:42that will pay for his children's university education.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45Due to the number of objections,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48the decision will be made by the planning committee.
0:47:48 > 0:47:55We're ready now for the erection of a dwelling house on land at Foulden.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00In the Borders, applicants cannot argue their case at committee.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03Hugo is relying on the recommendation for approval
0:48:03 > 0:48:04made by the planning officer.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07The proposal is deliberately quite different
0:48:07 > 0:48:10from anything in the immediate vicinity.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13But the approach that is being proposed here
0:48:13 > 0:48:15is not entirely inconsistent with the setting.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17OK, thank you.
0:48:18 > 0:48:23I'm a wee bit apprehensive. We'll see what happens.
0:48:23 > 0:48:24I've got reservations
0:48:24 > 0:48:28and listening to the debate to decide whether those
0:48:28 > 0:48:30reservations will be an objection.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33The proximity of the buildings could give some degree of overshadowing
0:48:33 > 0:48:37and I think we need to understand that because they are close.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43The plan of the house, I think it has a certain element of a pagoda.
0:48:43 > 0:48:48Sorry, I mustn't express my prejudices but you'll get my drift.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51Obviously, the planners have been going with it
0:48:51 > 0:48:53and I very much appreciate them...
0:48:53 > 0:48:56going along with it cos it is an unusual design
0:48:56 > 0:49:00but I think the local councillors are probably going to
0:49:00 > 0:49:05err on the side of caution and try and, sort of, put it to bed,
0:49:05 > 0:49:06put it in the bin.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10I think it is something you can make really well insulated
0:49:10 > 0:49:14and a good aspect. These are all very important things.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18I think I would support that. I really am quite excited.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21I actually find this design very exciting
0:49:21 > 0:49:24and in the context of Foulden, because there's
0:49:24 > 0:49:27a lot of different designs, I don't think it is out of place here.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30Councillor Brown, are you wanting in?
0:49:30 > 0:49:34I have heard two or three attempts to find a reason for a refusal here
0:49:34 > 0:49:37but I am really happy with this design and I'd like to recommend
0:49:37 > 0:49:38that we go along with it.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Well, I think we are about to test it out.
0:49:43 > 0:49:47Discussion over, opinion split, it's time to vote.
0:49:49 > 0:49:53To approve the application, can I have a show of hands, please?
0:49:55 > 0:49:57Eight.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00And Councillor Bell seconded by Councillor Mountford to refuse.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Four. So the application is approved.
0:50:05 > 0:50:06Thank you.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09Great.
0:50:10 > 0:50:12That was a great result.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15I can't say I was really expecting that result at all.
0:50:15 > 0:50:19And I'm very, very pleased indeed. It was brilliant.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21And surprised as well.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27Decision made. Time for the community council chairman,
0:50:27 > 0:50:30Gregory Lauder-Frost, to bow before the higher authority
0:50:30 > 0:50:33of the Scottish Borders Council.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36It's a negation of democracy.
0:50:36 > 0:50:37Or maybe not.
0:50:37 > 0:50:42Not only is he going to build his grand design, his dream house,
0:50:42 > 0:50:48but he's also going to completely overshadow his neighbours.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51It's no use saying, "We've looked at the objections,
0:50:51 > 0:50:53"we've taken them on board."
0:50:53 > 0:50:56All these phrases that local government use,
0:50:56 > 0:50:58they're all meaningless.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01If they'd taken them on board they wouldn't have approved it.
0:51:01 > 0:51:06But they did approve it and so therefore it's a win for one
0:51:06 > 0:51:08and a loss for everybody else.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12That's the way we see it.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15- HARRY LAUDER:- # You can't beat the old home town, eh? #
0:51:20 > 0:51:25In Chester, the Leadworks are receiving a second site visit.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28After their original plan for dark grey cladding was strongly
0:51:28 > 0:51:31criticised at committee, the developers have
0:51:31 > 0:51:35revised their plans to use a more expensive light grey zinc cladding.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39I hope it's not classed as Labour under the one umbrella.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41THEY CHUCKLE
0:51:41 > 0:51:44Serves you right for saying that.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46It's like your party - it's collapsing.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51In five hours' time,
0:51:51 > 0:51:55the elected councillors will vote on the new plans.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58With a £7 million scheme on the line,
0:51:58 > 0:52:01the developers weren't prepared to give up without a fight.
0:52:03 > 0:52:04The next couple of days
0:52:04 > 0:52:07was taken up with a major review
0:52:07 > 0:52:09where we did absolutely look at everything.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11I think we were questioning,
0:52:11 > 0:52:14"Well, crikey, have we got this was completely and utterly wrong?"
0:52:14 > 0:52:16We're experienced developers and experienced architects
0:52:16 > 0:52:18and I don't think we've ever had quite that
0:52:18 > 0:52:23kind of reception from anything other than single objectors.
0:52:23 > 0:52:25So we did absolutely look at everything.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29So, this is the pre-weathered zinc.
0:52:29 > 0:52:33They've provided a sample of the zinc cladding for the members
0:52:33 > 0:52:36of the planning committee to see EXACTLY what it will look like.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39So, as weathering takes place, it will remain that.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42Yeah, it's zinc as well. It's not a coating,
0:52:42 > 0:52:44so you haven't got a steel which may rust or something.
0:52:44 > 0:52:49It is basically zinc so it will remain very similar to that.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52It's a bit like a prison, really, isn't it? Yeah.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54OK, thank you very much.
0:52:56 > 0:53:02We now revert to the item four, the former Chester Leadworks building.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06The officer's view remains that the application should be
0:53:06 > 0:53:08approved subject to the conditions
0:53:08 > 0:53:10set out in the officer report to this committee.
0:53:10 > 0:53:11Thank you, Chair.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15While the planners are still backing the development,
0:53:15 > 0:53:18the Chester Civic Trust remain opposed.
0:53:20 > 0:53:21On the 3rd of July,
0:53:21 > 0:53:24the planning committee unanimously condemned
0:53:24 > 0:53:29this scheme. Members were appalled and they were going to refuse it.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34You are being asked to vote on essentially the same scheme.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38We urge you to refuse this application.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45The next speaker is Rob Mason,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48who will be speaking on behalf of the agent.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51We were told we had not given due regard to
0:53:51 > 0:53:55the preservation of a listed building, yet English Heritage
0:53:55 > 0:54:00support our approach, deem this to be an exceptional circumstance
0:54:00 > 0:54:03and urge you to approve the proposal to save the buildings.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06We have, however, introduced a major improvement
0:54:06 > 0:54:09by now adopting zinc cladding. This has significantly increased cost
0:54:09 > 0:54:12and has effectively removed any residual value for the site.
0:54:12 > 0:54:13However, I am pleased to report,
0:54:13 > 0:54:16English Heritage state this change will, and I quote,
0:54:16 > 0:54:21"Further improve the high quality and innovative design of the proposal."
0:54:24 > 0:54:27The long-term future of the Leadworks is on the line.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31If the planning committee don't approve the scheme,
0:54:31 > 0:54:36the historic building will continue to deteriorate.
0:54:36 > 0:54:40I have to say that my objections at the time, well, they were subjective.
0:54:40 > 0:54:45I didn't like it. And I have to say I still don't like it.
0:54:45 > 0:54:49I do think that, yes, they have gone away
0:54:49 > 0:54:52and they have had a look at the cladding because we all said,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55as one, "Gosh, that is horrible."
0:54:55 > 0:54:59But they have come up with grey again.
0:54:59 > 0:55:04It still gives me that impression of a workhouse. I'm sorry.
0:55:04 > 0:55:06I certainly don't like the cladding.
0:55:06 > 0:55:11Not for the heart of Chester and a main route into Chester.
0:55:11 > 0:55:16I don't like that at all and I will be voting against it.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18APPLAUSE
0:55:18 > 0:55:23As with the last meeting, the committee seem to be railing
0:55:23 > 0:55:26against the modern design but one councillor is still keen to speak.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30We can't keep on going back and saying,
0:55:30 > 0:55:33"Oh, well, now we wouldn't develop it like that."
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Now, we probably wouldn't build houses that have got black-and-white
0:55:37 > 0:55:41facades and pretended to be Tudor when they were actually Victorian.
0:55:41 > 0:55:45So, you know, we have to move along and we have to develop things
0:55:45 > 0:55:47that are of our time.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50I feel, Chairman, that we have to make a decision.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52We have to actually be brave and say,
0:55:52 > 0:55:54"We need to do something with this site.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57"It cannot just be left in the state it is now."
0:55:57 > 0:55:59Therefore, I am going to actually say,
0:55:59 > 0:56:03"I think we should actually approve these recommendations
0:56:03 > 0:56:05"and this application." Thank you, Chairman.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09Arguments for and against the proposal
0:56:09 > 0:56:11from the eight-member committee.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18All those in favour of the approval of this application subject to
0:56:18 > 0:56:22all these conditions et cetera, please show.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25Two, three, four, Chairman.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28Those against.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30One, two, three, Chairman.
0:56:30 > 0:56:32Any abstentions?
0:56:32 > 0:56:34One, Chairman.
0:56:34 > 0:56:35That motion is passed.
0:56:39 > 0:56:40Four votes to three.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44This time, it's a victory for the developers.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47Now it looks as if we are going to end up with two prison blocks
0:56:47 > 0:56:52in a slightly different shade of grey than before, when it was refused.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56The people that pass them, they don't have to live with them but we do.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59They go off and do something else and we have to live with them
0:56:59 > 0:57:01for the rest of our lives.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04It was a good outcome. I was really pleased with that.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06It took a bit of a leap of faith for the members to actually
0:57:06 > 0:57:08decide to go along with
0:57:08 > 0:57:10that contemporary design.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14I think, you know, when we all do go back in 15 years' time,
0:57:14 > 0:57:17I think people will look at our building and say,
0:57:17 > 0:57:20"Actually, I think they could have been a bit more radical.
0:57:20 > 0:57:22"You know, I think they could have done a bit more."
0:57:24 > 0:57:27I am hoping in, you know, 60 or 100 years' time, the great
0:57:27 > 0:57:29and the good of that time will look back and say,
0:57:29 > 0:57:31"You did a good job with the Leadworks."
0:57:31 > 0:57:34I'll try and be around to see it but I doubt it somehow.
0:57:42 > 0:57:43Next time on The Planners...
0:57:43 > 0:57:45We might have a party here.
0:57:45 > 0:57:48Me and my friends, you know, sunbathing in our bikinis.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51..restoration ideas are put to the planners for approval...
0:57:51 > 0:57:53I think it would look really weird.
0:57:53 > 0:57:55It would be really, really weird.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58I felt like crying. It just hurts a lot.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00..in Rochdale, an objector finds a flaw
0:58:00 > 0:58:03in the plans for a new housing scheme...
0:58:03 > 0:58:07If anybody can turn a car round in that space, from there to there,
0:58:07 > 0:58:09I wish them well.
0:58:09 > 0:58:13..and Scottish planners get caught between a futuristic house
0:58:13 > 0:58:15and an objector from a different era.
0:58:16 > 0:58:20Both my wife and I have recently learned to use computers.
0:58:20 > 0:58:21So, it is up to us,
0:58:21 > 0:58:24poor wee souls that we are, to make a decision on this.
0:58:44 > 0:58:47Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd