0:00:02 > 0:00:06Britain is a green and pleasant land.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07But for how long?
0:00:07 > 0:00:12We're now getting to a position where any site's worth 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 had the house here,
0:00:20 > 0:00:24I'm thinking of building a Berlin wall here, at least six feet high.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27So constructors are making plans.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Whoever designed that needs to be shot.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Objectors are making noises.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35I've had enough of it for what we've got in this town for councillors.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- The load of- BLEEP - they're putting up.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40And neighbours are going to war.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44We always won our battles as a family. We'll win this one.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49In the firing line, shaping the country of the future, are Britain's planners.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- And nothing happens in the hall?- No. - No? Yes? No? Yes?
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Thanks for letting us visit. We'll see you on Thursday.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Another British planning cock-up, really.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Planners don't just oversee new construction.
0:01:20 > 0:01:26They are also responsible for any changes to Britain's 370,000 listed buildings,
0:01:26 > 0:01:31which include landmarks such as Hadrian's Wall,
0:01:31 > 0:01:36Stonehenge, and the pedestrian crossing made famous by the Beatles.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44In Cheltenham, the Grade II listed Royal Crescent was built in 1806
0:01:44 > 0:01:48for upper-class visitors taking in the spa waters.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Its latest owners are about to restore one of the houses
0:01:54 > 0:01:56after selling their family home.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58If we put this through for planning here,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01that wall and that wall will go out.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05The Smith family have paid half a million pounds for the privilege.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08What we'd like now is a house that we can stay in for years and years
0:02:08 > 0:02:11that would fit all the grandchildren!
0:02:15 > 0:02:22We saw this house looking really unloved and thought the challenge was to restore it to what it was.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23It gripped us.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27It's been there 200 years, and maybe it'll be there in another 200 years
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- with our family.- That's so cheesy!
0:02:29 > 0:02:32The Smiths have decided to keep it in the family.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36It's going to need a steel, anyway, because it's likely to be supporting something.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39They've entrusted 22-year-old daughter Sophie
0:02:39 > 0:02:42with the job of project managing the restoration.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Picture-framer Dad Chris will be the creative force behind the design.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I doubt if anybody has thought about this property
0:02:51 > 0:02:55five per cent of what I've thought about it.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58I'd say I'm much more of an expert on this project
0:02:58 > 0:03:00than anybody at the moment.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03We'll discuss Mima's room, cos that's easy, isn't it?
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Walk on!
0:03:05 > 0:03:09I've got a huge amount of knowledge and experience.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15I do understand buildings and I do try and point people in the right direction.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22Karen Radford is the planner with the power to approve or reject the Smiths' plans.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25I'm heritage and conservation manager at Cheltenham Borough Council.
0:03:25 > 0:03:32And my job is to deal with applications for listed building consent on listed buildings.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I do love architecture. I love history. I love Cheltenham.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38I was brought up in Cheltenham, born in Cheltenham,
0:03:38 > 0:03:40so I really do love it with a passion.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42The person who is responsible
0:03:42 > 0:03:47for overseeing that heritage for future generations is me.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50It's something that I don't take lightly.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55The Smiths have sent their plans to Karen, hoping for a quick approval
0:03:55 > 0:03:58as they need to move out of the house they sold.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03'People will think we're mad, because it's a ginormous house.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08'We're a small family. We're struggling with budgets, like anyone would do.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09We haven't got anywhere to live,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12so we need it to be done pretty quickly.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15But I like to work under pressure.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17I feel that great things happen when under pressure.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Get a bit of adrenaline going, so it should pay off, definitely.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29The property was last used as a nursing home.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33It has ten bedrooms over four floors.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38The Smiths are planning to restore it to its Regency splendour
0:04:38 > 0:04:42while introducing one big, modern twist.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45If I bring you through here, we've got the original kitchen.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50It's not going to be a kitchen any more. It's going to be a garden room, or a sun room,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54to get as much light in as possible and bring our guests and friends round.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57So one of our plans for this
0:04:57 > 0:05:02is to put in these bi-folding doors on this elevation here.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05These bi-folding doors would then go on to the decking
0:05:05 > 0:05:09and serve this nice decking area which we've also put in for planning permission.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13We're going to have the big opening across there,
0:05:13 > 0:05:14so that the wall comes to the decking,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18with glazed panels, to make it as transparent as possible
0:05:18 > 0:05:20and look really uber-cool as well.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Together with case officer Martin Chandler,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Karen has to decide whether to authorise the decking
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and the demolition of the external wall.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40I don't think so.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45To put some decking, or balcony, call it what you will, along there,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48that whole area, I think it would be unacceptable.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53There's a lot of it, isn't there, and it is going to compromise the building.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57We might have a party here.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03We're thinking of the summertime and that, the romantic way of thinking about it.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Me and my friends sunbathing in our bikinis.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10You never know, if we're allowed, we might have a Jacuzzi downstairs as well.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Which would be quite nice!
0:06:13 > 0:06:18I think it's one of those applications where obviously the people are eager to move in.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20They've got lots of ideas.
0:06:20 > 0:06:26In some respects, I think there's a lot of naivety in what they're proposing to do.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29From our point of view, we need to be making sure
0:06:29 > 0:06:32that they're not compromising the building.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37Alterations to listed buildings are allowed if they help to preserve them.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Karen's not convinced the decking does that.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43But before coming to a final decision,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45she needs to make a site visit.
0:06:45 > 0:06:46What will we do there?
0:06:46 > 0:06:50'People put in things and you think, "This is just nonsense.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52'"This is just silly."
0:06:52 > 0:06:55'So I always try and educate people and say,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58'"You actually have something really special here
0:06:58 > 0:07:01'"and it's part of the history of Britain."'
0:07:13 > 0:07:19In England, planners look after the construction of over 100,000 houses a year.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Every five minutes, a new house is completed.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25It may be a multi-billion-pound business,
0:07:25 > 0:07:30but there is still room for members of the public to have their say in the planning process.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Planner Rebecca Coley is in Rochdale,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38where developers want to extend this terrace
0:07:38 > 0:07:42and build three new houses on waste ground at the end of the cul-de-sac.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48The front of the properties would be here, with a small garden there,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52basically continuing the terrace, but with a gap between them.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54But the same style of house.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58On this side of the site over here, would be a parking area,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00five spaces across the top here
0:08:00 > 0:08:05with what they show, a space here to allow for turning.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08I think the scheme is absolutely fine.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11It's recommended for approval by officers.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15This kind of site, when it's ideal for housing development,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18is really the sort of site we should be seeking to redevelop.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31But one local is determined to stop the project.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33He has studied the plans for days
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and has finally spotted a flaw.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Don't want to be doing with all that rubbish, do we?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Builder Dennis Sutcliffe-Smith
0:08:44 > 0:08:47thinks the developer has got his measurements wrong.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51So that's ten
0:08:51 > 0:08:53to here.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56That's five car parking spaces.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58This is where...
0:09:00 > 0:09:02..the wall of the new houses comes.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06So if anybody can turn a car round
0:09:06 > 0:09:09in that space from there to there,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11I wish them well!
0:09:13 > 0:09:14They've got it wrong.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21If you put five parking spaces there, none of us can turn round.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23So we'd all have to reverse out in the street
0:09:23 > 0:09:25with children in the back. That's wrong.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32It's a nice, pleasant area and it's a really nice quiet suburb and street.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35It will disrupt everybody's lives on this street.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43The planners have recommended the scheme for approval.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45But objections from Dennis and the residents
0:09:45 > 0:09:50mean the final decision will be made by the councillors on Rochdale's planning committee.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55It's made up of members of the public who are elected every four years.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Are you the architect or... - The resident.- The resident.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- So where are the parking spaces? - Here.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- Where we're standing, here? - Yeah. In this corner, yes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Do you think you can fit five cars in there? I've measured it out.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11You've only got 1.7 metres.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Sorry, a resident can't lobby you on a site visit.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- Please, sir. You have your opportunity to speak at the committee this evening.- OK.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Please don't address the members because they may not be able to vote on it later.- OK.- No problem.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30- They're quite small, anyway. They're not your average-sized parking.- Yeah.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34Dennis has fallen foul of strict planning procedure.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Members of the public can't voice their objections to the committee on site visits.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41'Well, I thought that's maybe why they sort of came.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44'You know, to look at the area'
0:10:44 > 0:10:46and then we could voice our concerns while they're here.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50But he's determined to make his voice heard.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55So when the councillors meet again at the town hall that evening,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Dennis is fully prepared.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Hello. My name's Dennis Sutcliffe-Smith.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I've got a few concerns about this development.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05This is a quiet dead-end street
0:11:05 > 0:11:07with seven number houses,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10six number with small children.
0:11:10 > 0:11:1313, in total, under the age of 11.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18There is only just enough room at present to turn a standard vehicle around.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22And if you even put one parking space in that area
0:11:22 > 0:11:26it means there will be absolutely no opportunity to turn a vehicle around.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31This development will make a very small street and an unsafe place for children.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Can you ask the highways officer to come in, please?
0:11:35 > 0:11:37I agree.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40We need to look at this further and I'd like it deferred, if possible.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45OK. So can we defer that, please?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47For another highways. Thank you.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52The planners will have to return to the site to re-measure.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Dennis has managed to delay the decision,
0:11:55 > 0:12:00but will he succeed in completely derailing the development?
0:12:00 > 0:12:02At least we've had a deferral.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05So we might be able to measure it up properly, this time.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I might have to hold the end of the tape measure for him!
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Great architects of the past
0:12:23 > 0:12:27have left their ground-breaking designs all over Britain.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32In the Scottish borders lives a landowner
0:12:32 > 0:12:35who is determined to leave his own mark...
0:12:35 > 0:12:36planners permitting.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39I think I'm definitely a bit of a romantic.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41I think when I bought the plot
0:12:41 > 0:12:44I thought, without quite knowing what I was going to do with it,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46that I could do something exciting with it.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50There's such an obvious house site up there
0:12:50 > 0:12:53that anybody seeing it would think this is a good site for a house.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Robert Younger is a solicitor specialising in fishery legislation
0:13:01 > 0:13:03and a lover of modern architecture.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11He has spent £20,000 commissioning the design of his new modern house.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15More than anything, it's a really exciting design of a building.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I think what you notice most strongly about this
0:13:19 > 0:13:23is this glazed pavilion that's standing on top here.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28I mean, it was exhibited at the Royal Academy, it's had quite a lot of press. People have loved it.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33The house may have pleased architecture enthusiasts all over the country,
0:13:33 > 0:13:38but will it win over the man who has to give it planning permission?
0:13:40 > 0:13:43There is a lot of pressure on the Borders countryside for new housing.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46We want to make sure they're in the right locations
0:13:46 > 0:13:48in a sympathetic way.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52The Scottish Borders council has introduced a commitment
0:13:52 > 0:13:55to improve the quality of architecture in the area.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59So Robert's application would appear nicely timed.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03I'm looking at the centre of the site
0:14:03 > 0:14:06to see quite what the impact of the house would be.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Part of the argument in favour of the development
0:14:11 > 0:14:14is that it would be a very unusual design,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17a brock style hill fort type structure.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21There is an intrinsic value in the design
0:14:21 > 0:14:23in its uniqueness.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Sir Richard Murphy is the architect responsible for the design.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32You get the best of all worlds.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36You get your own kingdom, your own little walled garden,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40but you also get amazing extensive views from upstairs of the whole landscape.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42It's nice to have the two things, really.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47I met Prince Charles once at a reception at Holyrood.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I was introduced as a prominent modern architect,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53which was like being thrown to the lions. He prodded me in the chest
0:14:53 > 0:14:56and said, "I bet you don't live in a house you designed."
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I said, "Well, actually, I do, Prince Charles.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01"I designed a house for a lady here to rent out,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03"and I liked it so much I became the tenant."
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Richard has had his projects built all over the world,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11but knows just how hard it is to get planning permission in Britain.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16I happen to think the system is now completely out of control in this country.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19It's a very negative-minded system.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23When we stand here in 100 years' time,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26and look back at the '70s, '80s and '90s,
0:15:26 > 0:15:33we'll look at how insipid and pathetic the architectural contribution was
0:15:33 > 0:15:37because of the heavy-handed nature of planners.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Planner Carlos has been inspecting Robert's plot
0:15:45 > 0:15:48and neighbouring properties on the other side of the hill.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52And something doesn't add up.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58Our policy allows for a new house next to a group of three houses.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02What I needed to check here, first and foremost,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04was whether we, in fact, had three houses.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07We have two houses on this side.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09And that's where we've got the problem.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12We don't have the group that we need
0:16:12 > 0:16:14for this to be supported.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18It's a wonderful setting.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21You can completely understand why someone would want to build a house here.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27The difficulty is the policy doesn't allow it to be built
0:16:27 > 0:16:29because of where it's proposed.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Since the 1980s,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37the Scottish Borders council has placed tight restrictions
0:16:37 > 0:16:40on any new homes in open countryside.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45We're trying to keep The Borders the way people expect they should be
0:16:45 > 0:16:49which is predominantly rural and not scattered with individual houses around every corner.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56When the report from Carlos comes in,
0:16:56 > 0:17:01it recommends refusal for Robert's stone-built modern house in the country.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09It's a situation architect Richard Murphy has found himself in many times before.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14What worries me is people always rush to make the safest judgement
0:17:14 > 0:17:15which is basically to say no.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18If in doubt, say no.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22This mentality of stopping things is going to be the end of this country.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Is it a lack of confidence? - Yes, total lack of confidence.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28It's rejected by planners,
0:17:28 > 0:17:32and so the next thing is it goes in front of a planning committee
0:17:32 > 0:17:36and they can either reject it out of hand, which I hope they won't,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40or, I'm hoping that they will decide to have a hearing.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Because then one has an opportunity of putting forward a point of view.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Well, we'll battle away. You know.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49The Scottish Borders council local review body
0:17:49 > 0:17:53is due to decide on the modern house in three weeks.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Hopefully, those two words "common sense" will prevail.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Because it is common sense.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Common sense versus dogma.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- We've got dogma at the moment. - We've got two dogs!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06LAUGHTER
0:18:17 > 0:18:21In Cheltenham, the new owners in Royal Crescent
0:18:21 > 0:18:23are eager to begin restoration
0:18:23 > 0:18:26as they need to move out of their family home in two weeks' time.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Lots of people here today, by the sounds of it.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- It starts for real today. It's good. - Good.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Even though they're still waiting for planning permission,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37they've started clearing the property.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Conservation officer Karen Radford has seen their plans
0:18:44 > 0:18:47which involve the demolition of some original features.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50So she's decided to pay a visit to the house.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Some people think double yellow lines are there to be ignored.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Some people don't park on double yellow lines.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Some people will respect historic buildings.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Some people will ask us a lot of detailed questions
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and apologise for wasting our time.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09We need to be making sure that they're not compromising the building.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14So they've started work on site.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- Hello, I'm Karen.- Sorry?- Karen Radford, Heritage and Conservation.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26So, Grade II listed building.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31Any repair or alteration which affects the character of a listed building requires consent.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34So I'm slightly concerned that you've got someone on site.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37If you're starting to do the work which requires consent,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- that can be a criminal offence. - Yes, I know that.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43So as long as you're familiar with that. OK.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49As the owners face the threat of a criminal prosecution,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52work on the site grinds to a halt.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56That door would never have been in that position.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58It would have been here more.
0:19:59 > 0:20:05Karen's first job is to inspect the house and decide which features are original
0:20:05 > 0:20:08and which are contemporary and need replacing.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11I think that is absolutely hideous.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Whoever put them in committed a criminal offence.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17We just don't know who that person was.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19I would suggest that you change it.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- If you leave that in there, that may then cause you problems later on.- Mm.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31Chris has come here and he wants this house as close to how it was
0:20:31 > 0:20:33when it was originally built.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37And he's paying for it, as well. He's not doing anything on the cheap.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41And then you get this woman come in and she throws a massive spanner in the works.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Next on the agenda are Chris's plans for the restoration of the house.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47So nothing happens in the hall, yeah?
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- No.- No? Yes? No? Yes?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53He wants to build a decked area at the back of the house.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58To access it, he wants to demolish a 200-year-old wall.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04The decking is an issue which I have major concerns with.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07You've got a Grade II listed building.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10This is a building of national / international importance.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14What you're removing is a substantial section of external wall
0:21:14 > 0:21:16with a chimney breast.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19How can you be arguing that that's preserving the historic character?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22What about if we did a smaller section?
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Sophie's plan B is to have a smaller opening
0:21:26 > 0:21:28and remove the kitchen window instead.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- This window is definitely original. - Yes.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35The loss of that window, it's a two-star listed building,
0:21:35 > 0:21:37would not be acceptable.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Great. Thanks for telling us that.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- There's no point in beating about the bush.- Yeah.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- It just would not be acceptable.- OK. - What about below?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- Explain.- What do you mean?
0:21:47 > 0:21:54Could we - this is just thinking quite quickly - below, could we take this section out
0:21:54 > 0:21:56and have it so that, if we wanted to,
0:21:56 > 0:22:00we could lift this and maybe have some kind of doorway open
0:22:00 > 0:22:01so that we could access it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04We're on a raised ground floor.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07If the decking is unacceptable, what do you want a door there for?
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- We wouldn't have a door.- Exactly. So let's talk about the decking
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- rather than talk about a door and then talk about the decking. - OK. Decking.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16With the main living area on the first floor,
0:22:16 > 0:22:22the family want the raised decking so they have access to a light, outdoor space.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25I think that's... I think it would look really weird.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Really, really weird.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31The thing is, we're reinstating this house as a family home.
0:22:31 > 0:22:37I think that developing that into a small balcony would make sense of this area.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- I feel it would enhance...- Look, it's not something that I'd support.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44If you feel strongly about it,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46then put in an application and go to appeal.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- That's the way it will be determined. - OK.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55At the end of the visit, Karen has refused permission for the decking,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57has said no to knocking down the kitchen wall
0:22:57 > 0:23:01and doesn't want the Smiths to interfere with their Regency window.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07It's been brilliant you coming along. I think I've gained a lot of knowledge.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12I think you need to be very careful about how much more work you need to do
0:23:12 > 0:23:14because there's going to be a point
0:23:14 > 0:23:18at which you're going to be straying into that area
0:23:18 > 0:23:22where you need listed building consent and we'll be here with our enforcement officers.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24That's not a situation we want to get into.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26We want to see the building refurbished.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30But equally, it needs to be done within the legislation
0:23:30 > 0:23:32and be done in an acceptable manner.
0:23:32 > 0:23:38- So we can only give you the advice and I hope we get revised drawings. - Thanks for your advice.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Right. Thanks! Bye!
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Well, there you go.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54I felt like crying. It just hurts a lot.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56But I've got to keep the professional speaking.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00I've got to understand that they've got a job and they're working within legislation.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03But it was an outright no about the decking and the opening.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08It was just like, "ouch!" It was pretty painful.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11But we prepared ourselves for this meeting.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- We knew...- We're going to go down fighting!
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Occasionally, there are conflicts between what people want to do
0:24:19 > 0:24:22and the historic character of the building.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25It is always a very difficult balancing act
0:24:25 > 0:24:29between saying to people, "We understand that this is your building,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32"you've invested in it for your future, for you and your family."
0:24:32 > 0:24:36And at the same time we're saying, "No, you need to do x, y and z."
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Is anyone tuna panini? Did you order food?
0:24:45 > 0:24:48The Smiths are going right back to the drawing board.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50We've got a massive fight ahead of us for that.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55With only two weeks to go before they have to move out of their current house,
0:24:55 > 0:24:59the race is on to get their new home ready on time.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15In Rochdale, there are plans to build three homes in a cul-de-sac.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18But one local is determined to stop them.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23Dennis Sutcliffe-Smith complained that five parking spaces for the new scheme
0:25:23 > 0:25:26were too many for the size of the road,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29forcing the planners to come and re-measure.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32What we've done is, we've just changed the plans round
0:25:32 > 0:25:36to show three parking spaces, one for each property,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39and the ability to turn round.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45You come in, into there, reverse back out, then go out the way you came.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48This area will be cross-hatched. No parking.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50People would use that to turn.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Yeah? The highway scheme works.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57But Dennis is not giving up yet.
0:25:57 > 0:26:04Looking into it further, just the disruption it'll cause during construction.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09There's going to be tradesmen, there'll be materials delivered.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Building houses is not a safe place for kids to be playing out on.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17I understand all that, but we would have to refuse every planning application on that basis.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20I'll speak to members whether they think that's appropriate,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23but you'll have an opportunity to address the committee.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27- When's the next meeting? - The meeting is on 2nd October.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Rochdale has a shortage of nearly 900 houses
0:26:31 > 0:26:35that the planners have to fill in the next five years.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40All construction does disrupt the lives of surrounding properties
0:26:40 > 0:26:43while it goes on. I completely understand the gentleman's concerns.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47But it's not a reason to refuse a planning application.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54The planners are happy with the revised road layout.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57Any objectors here?
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Yes.- Could you come forward, please?
0:27:01 > 0:27:03But Dennis isn't.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07He wants the scheme refused because of the potential danger
0:27:07 > 0:27:09and disruption to residents.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14I don't see how just painting a few lines on a road is going to work.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Secondly, if planning was passed...
0:27:17 > 0:27:22While Dennis is speaking, the planners discuss how best to address his new concerns.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Surely this council should agree
0:27:25 > 0:27:29that the safety of the residents should be of paramount importance
0:27:29 > 0:27:32and ensure the developer come up with some form of control
0:27:32 > 0:27:34to minimise the risk.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35Thank you.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Thank you.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41Your major objection seems to be the parking and the turning.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Have you no other objections to it?
0:27:43 > 0:27:47I don't see how having a construction site at the end of the street
0:27:47 > 0:27:51is going to make that a safe place for anybody.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55You must understand that construction doesn't go on for ever.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58If it went on for a day and there was an accident,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02who would be responsible if we've got to reverse out onto a street?
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- Can I just bring the planning office in?- What we can do,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and strictly, this is not a particularly enforceable condition,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11but, given that it would address the issue,
0:28:11 > 0:28:17is to require that a turning area is retained during the construction period, at the end of the road.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Equating to the turning area as shown on the plans that you have there.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24So if we can go for a vote for approval.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- Unanimous.- OK. Carried. Thank you.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36The houses have got permission.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39But Dennis's persistence has paid off.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42His masterclass in objecting
0:28:42 > 0:28:45means the committee have agreed to impose traffic restrictions
0:28:45 > 0:28:46during construction.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50I've got it deferred. I've had them out on site visits.
0:28:50 > 0:28:55So I gave them a bit of a run-around, but not far enough. Not far enough.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03The objector definitely came out of that with greater concessions to his objections.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07If objectors want the best possible outcome,
0:29:07 > 0:29:11I always recommend they come and speak in front of a planning committee
0:29:11 > 0:29:17because a planning committee are more likely to respond to that emotive plea.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22I'm going to look round tomorrow for some birds in nests
0:29:22 > 0:29:24and plant them up them trees!
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Then ring the Bird Protection Society!
0:29:32 > 0:29:34In the Scottish Borders,
0:29:34 > 0:29:39the planners have refused permission to build a modern five-bedroomed house.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44But applicant Robert thinks he's got a solution.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50His plot of land was once the gateway to this aristocratic estate.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56Robert is offering the council the complete restoration of the parkland
0:29:56 > 0:29:59if they let him build his house.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01It's hard to imagine that this particular landscape
0:30:01 > 0:30:04was once extremely grand, manicured.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07And all sorts of grand lords and ladies
0:30:07 > 0:30:12would have been rattling down this driveway in the 19th century in their carriages.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17The proposal that we're putting to the council
0:30:17 > 0:30:21is to restore the parkland into its former orientation
0:30:21 > 0:30:26and basically, the views opening up and closing as you go down
0:30:26 > 0:30:30would mirror the experience of the 19th-century carriage
0:30:30 > 0:30:34coming down the hill as you go on your journey down towards Carolside House.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39If they give permission, then we have the grounds for restoration.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42If they don't, then the obligation is to replant this
0:30:42 > 0:30:47and all the public benefits of restoration will be lost for another generation.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53Robert's land borders the 18th-century Carolside House
0:30:53 > 0:30:54at the bottom of the hill.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59Its owner would benefit from having the landscape restored for free.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03But the price to pay would be the construction of Robert's house.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08In my view, the proposed house is a very ugly structure.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Not something that one would particularly wish to see.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Anthony Foyle has lived at Carolside House for 21 years.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21My grandfather started a bookshop in London called Foyles,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23which some of you may have heard of.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Both my wife and I have been described as rather 18th century,
0:31:28 > 0:31:32although we have both recently learned to use computers!
0:31:36 > 0:31:39I have grown up with beautiful things.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44And we have an informal taste in design.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49I would question whether it's an enhancement to see this proposed house.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53It may be unobtrusive, but I don't believe the house is in keeping with its setting.
0:31:56 > 0:32:02The Scottish Borders Council review body is about to discuss Robert's new plans.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous!
0:32:05 > 0:32:07But it's like exam day.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13And I hope they give it proper consideration. But we'll see.
0:32:13 > 0:32:20We have a house which would not normally have been given permission.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25We have to look as to whether a designed landscape is sufficient
0:32:25 > 0:32:27to outweigh policy.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32In the Borders, the applicant is not permitted to speak at committee meetings.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36So it's left to the councillors to interpret Robert's new plans.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40But the debate raises more questions than answers.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44I'm assuming that what we're really talking about in base terms
0:32:44 > 0:32:46from what it says in the documents,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49that there is no money to restore the landscape as things stand.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53What are we determining the application of?
0:32:53 > 0:32:55The councillors want to know more.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58So after a 40-minute debate,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01the chairman takes matters back into his own hands.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07We cannot proceed to a full consideration of this matter
0:33:07 > 0:33:13unless we have information on the value of the designed landscape
0:33:13 > 0:33:19and whether its importance outweighs our normal policy.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Thank you. That's been a positive discussion.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Robert's offer has interested the councillors.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31They are willing to consider allowing an isolated house
0:33:31 > 0:33:35if the restored landscape proves to be a benefit to the public.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38They're looking for specific evidence from the forestry commission
0:33:38 > 0:33:41and from their own heritage experts
0:33:41 > 0:33:44to kind of see the weight of the counter arguments.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50The review body will meet again after the landscape experts have examined Robert's application.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53I think we live to fight another day.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55So that's good.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Stone Cottage, in Cheshire.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09Home to self-made millionaire Danny Lees and his Jack Russell, Bertie.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Oh, he's a brilliant dog. I'll miss him when he goes.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14He's 13 now.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17I brought him home in the front of my shirt from a pub.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I bought him for 50 quid in a pub.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Cracking dog.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Danny made his money making industrial doors
0:34:26 > 0:34:29and spends it doing up run-down barns and houses.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31That was derelict.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35A big sign on the end of it, "Danger, keep out."
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Then we turned it into that.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Over about two years, I built that.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43That was the downstairs bathroom!
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Danny's proudest achievement is his house.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52He bought an old stone cottage with amazing views.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Then flattened it.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58It was completely derelict. It was ready to fall down anyhow.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01We got permission to knock it down and rebuild.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04And this is the new house.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Rebuilding Stone Cottage from scratch
0:35:09 > 0:35:12meant Danny got things his way.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16An old-looking house, with all the modern facilities.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18It's in a conservation area.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20So they wouldn't let me go much bigger.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24So we stuck to the rules but went down below and put a basement in.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30It was called Stone Cottage, so I decided to build it in stone.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34I just put some nice stone features on the corners to make it look Olde Worlde.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40There's a nice feature there. Everybody goes mad for Bully.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45And there's my Jack Russell on this end.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49I'm a bit of a perfectionist.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I put my mark on that and every house I've built since I started.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55They're just unique to me.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Can't wait to get stuck into this pub and getting cracking with that.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04The pub is the Farmer's Arms
0:36:04 > 0:36:06in the nearby village of Huxley.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08After two centuries,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11the last pint was pulled a year ago.
0:36:12 > 0:36:13Come on, Bertie.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Danny is selling his house
0:36:18 > 0:36:21and spending over a million on this country pub.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24He plans to demolish it completely
0:36:24 > 0:36:28and build a brand new but "old-looking" replacement.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31He even plans to move into a flat above the bar.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34You can imagine out here, tables and chairs,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37looking over the view having your lunch of a day like today.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42A nice steak, half a roast duck.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Olde Worlde food.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47You'll have to leave the pies to me. I make the best pies in the world.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52This was the restaurant.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55It's rotten as a pear.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Look at all the damp in the walls.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00We've got to build a new cellar. The cellar's collapsed in this one.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04You're better to knock it down and rebuild.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09I keep pinching myself, thinking I'm mad.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12But I can't wait to get cracking.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Come on. Let's go.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Danny's submitted his plans.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22It'll be down to head planner Fiona Edwards
0:37:22 > 0:37:25to consider if they're right for the old pub.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30He wants to knock it down. You can see there's an existing building here.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32It is empty at the moment.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34So rather than just redevelop,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37tart the existing building up, so to speak,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40he's going to knock it down and put a new building in its place
0:37:40 > 0:37:45which will be fit for purpose in terms of modern facilities and the kitchen and that sort of thing.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48The issue is it's in a conservation area
0:37:48 > 0:37:52so we will be consulting with our colleagues in the conservation section.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Obviously their findings will be interesting
0:37:55 > 0:37:58and we'll wait to see what they make of the proposals.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05John Healey is Cheshire West and Chester Council's conservation officer.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08He's consulted on all changes affecting historic buildings.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12This is an object lesson as to how it can be done.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Sensitively, really.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Today, he's revisiting a listed barn.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21One of the principles of conservation
0:38:21 > 0:38:25is to try and maintain as much as possible of the historic fabric.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Here, we've got a very good examples of how you can carefully conserve,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31in this case, the timber frame.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38Alterations occur to buildings. That's the nature of how buildings evolve.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40They don't evolve by total demolition.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58In Cheltenham, all building work in Royal Crescent stopped
0:38:58 > 0:39:01after a visit from conservation officer Karen Radford.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05She rejected plans to build decking at the back of the house.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Lovely Karen.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11I've never had a teacher like it, so I can't say that,
0:39:11 > 0:39:14but it was the scary teacher in a horrible film.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Owner Chris Smith has revised his plans
0:39:18 > 0:39:21and is back to his day job as a picture framer
0:39:21 > 0:39:23while he waits for a response.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26The decision will be tomorrow.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31In a weird way, I'm prepared for anything.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35I felt that the decking they were suggesting
0:39:35 > 0:39:37was going to compromise all sorts of things.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41In order to get to the decking, they needed to demolish quite a bit of the building.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45And the decking itself was then going to take up a huge area
0:39:45 > 0:39:48of the external space, compromising the basement,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51which would then give problems with light and ventilation.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55In itself not practical problems that were insurmountable,
0:39:55 > 0:40:00but just not appropriate. Really not appropriate.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05I understand why people don't want to buy listed buildings.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08All we had from Karen was, "No.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10"No. No. No. No. No.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12"No. Close you down. No."
0:40:12 > 0:40:14It seemed to be one of those conversations.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16I was exhausted!
0:40:16 > 0:40:21Exhausted. It's like we went in for three rounds with Frank Bruno.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22But it was Karen!
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I'm supposed to be travelling light! But it's not really happening.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32The time has come for the Smiths to leave the house they sold
0:40:32 > 0:40:34in order to fund the restoration.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39We're moving from this house, which is our current family home of 15 years
0:40:39 > 0:40:43to temporary accommodation tonight.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47I think we're just a weird family and do everything last minute.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Most people are more organised and employ an architect
0:40:50 > 0:40:52and get it done the proper way.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57I think we like to make a mark on a property and show we've done it and it's us.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- So, we've got these revised drawings.- We have, yes.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Came in last week, I think, while we were on site visits.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10So if we start from the basement up.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14The Smiths will have eight bedrooms in the new house,
0:41:14 > 0:41:17just as it was when it was built in 1806.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20The downstairs will become a self-contained flat
0:41:20 > 0:41:23for daughters Sophie and Mimi.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27It looks like it's gone.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Yeah. So the decking's been completely removed.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Those applications have been withdrawn.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Yes. Fine. OK.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37We backed down completely.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Sod the decking at the moment!
0:41:40 > 0:41:42We'll see what Karen says.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45We don't want to mess with Karen. And we don't want to be criminals!
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I am a little bit scared of Karen!
0:41:48 > 0:41:51We do need to move forward, you know?
0:41:51 > 0:41:53We're in accommodation
0:41:53 > 0:41:58and there's a certain amount of work that needs to be done so that we can live in there.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- Cheers for that.- Thank you.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- See you.- OK. Bye.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06The decking's got removed, so that's not going to be an issue.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Because they haven't got the decking,
0:42:08 > 0:42:13they don't need to remove a substantial section of historic external wall.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15So that's all good.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Everything's absolutely fine. Not an issue at all.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Six months after buying their bit of the Royal Crescent,
0:42:21 > 0:42:25the Smiths can now finally start to restore it.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Members of the local review panel in the Scottish Borders
0:42:36 > 0:42:39are about to decide whether to allow the construction
0:42:39 > 0:42:44of architect Richard Murphy's modern house on parkland near Earlston.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51It would be great if it happened. If it did, I think everyone would be very excited about it.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54It's something to be proud of.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I think it would be wonderful to live here.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I think it would be interesting for the Borders to have the house.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02I think it's a plus.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04It's not a minus, it's a plus.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06And I just hope common sense prevails.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12I am the appellant, Bob Younger.
0:43:12 > 0:43:17Owner Robert Younger has promised to restore a 19-acre historic parkland
0:43:17 > 0:43:19if planning permission is granted.
0:43:19 > 0:43:23He's already invested more than £20,000 in the project.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27Three years of work all down to this last couple of hours.
0:43:27 > 0:43:32It's the penalties, the final 20 minutes of action!
0:43:32 > 0:43:34Either we're going to be jumping for joy
0:43:34 > 0:43:37or pounding the earth with our fists.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39We shall see.
0:43:39 > 0:43:40OK, folks.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44The planners rejected the project
0:43:44 > 0:43:49as a 1980 Scottish Border law put a ban on isolated houses in the countryside.
0:43:49 > 0:43:54We appreciate that the applicants seek an exceptional decision
0:43:54 > 0:43:57to allow for the house because they plan to restore the site around it.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00But we don't think this case is strong enough.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
0:44:02 > 0:44:07Robert's appeal has escalated to the highest authority in the Scottish planning system.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09The Review Committee.
0:44:10 > 0:44:11Unlike regular meetings,
0:44:11 > 0:44:16the councillors and the objectors are allowed to quiz the applicant.
0:44:17 > 0:44:22Why is the house and your, or someone else's occupancy of that house,
0:44:22 > 0:44:25necessary in order to protect the landscape?
0:44:25 > 0:44:27Yeah, good question.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30Having somebody there within that parcel of land,
0:44:30 > 0:44:32there is a much greater chance
0:44:32 > 0:44:37that it will be looked after, as against being a bit of commercial forestry.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39Mr Foyle?
0:44:39 > 0:44:43Is it true that the cost of the ongoing maintenance and management
0:44:43 > 0:44:45could not be met by this or any future owner of the site
0:44:45 > 0:44:47unless this application is allowed?
0:44:47 > 0:44:49I'm the owner of the land
0:44:49 > 0:44:52and I can tell you right now that's not going to happen.
0:44:52 > 0:44:57There is no other circumstances in which that money
0:44:57 > 0:44:59is going to find its way into the restoration of the land
0:44:59 > 0:45:01other than this scheme.
0:45:02 > 0:45:06So it's up to us, poor wee souls that we are,
0:45:06 > 0:45:08to make a decision on this.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10After the public debate,
0:45:10 > 0:45:14it's time for the five councillors to vote on the application.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16This is a decision that we make on balance.
0:45:16 > 0:45:21And I think on balance I have to take the view
0:45:21 > 0:45:23that the officer has got it right.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27The first councillor is against.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30I think that the link is tenuous.
0:45:30 > 0:45:35I think it's a tenuous link to argue that because you have a house there
0:45:35 > 0:45:37and are living in it you're in a position to protect the landscape.
0:45:37 > 0:45:43I would propose that we dismiss the appeal and support the officer's recommendation.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47Two councillors are against.
0:45:47 > 0:45:52My slight concern is that we are, in effect, shutting down
0:45:52 > 0:45:56any opportunity to create parklands again
0:45:56 > 0:45:59with our approach to planning as it stands.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02To achieve things, sometimes you have to take risks
0:46:02 > 0:46:06and I think that's important sometimes to create nice things.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08I vote to support the appeal.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13The third councillor is in favour.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17I will second Councillor Barbery.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22With two councillors in favour, and two against,
0:46:22 > 0:46:25the fate of Richard Murphy's design
0:46:25 > 0:46:27depends on the vote of Bill White,
0:46:27 > 0:46:30a financial advisor and newly-elected councillor.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32Councillor White?
0:46:32 > 0:46:40I think I've sat on the fence for this a while. My colleagues think I'm still sitting on the fence.
0:46:40 > 0:46:46Tying those two together, you've got to have the planning permission for the house to do the works,
0:46:46 > 0:46:49I'm not really convinced of that.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54So I'll go with Councillor Baird.
0:46:56 > 0:47:01So the decision of the planning officer is upheld.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05Thank you.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08It's the end of the line.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10With no more chances to go to appeal,
0:47:10 > 0:47:13Richard Murphy's design will not be built.
0:47:16 > 0:47:20All architects die bitter, even the ones you think are the most successful.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24They've all got drawers of unbuilt projects that they wanted to build.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Yeah, I'm annoyed as a taxpayer
0:47:27 > 0:47:31cos here you are having the offer of restoring a historic landscape
0:47:31 > 0:47:33at no expense to the taxpayer.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35And that's been rejected, as well.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38I find that all very disappointing, really.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41And very small-minded.
0:47:41 > 0:47:46It's just another British planning cock-up, really.
0:47:49 > 0:47:54There is a point there to be made that our policy is perhaps a little bit strict.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56But the difficulty is that you're trying to balance
0:47:56 > 0:47:59the protection of the countryside
0:47:59 > 0:48:05with the odd very exceptional house in the country.
0:48:05 > 0:48:11It's really not that easy to frame a policy that serves both camps, really.
0:48:11 > 0:48:17The project has cost applicant Robert Younger more than £20,000.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22For me, in terms of the effort, the life force, the money I've put into this project,
0:48:22 > 0:48:24that's the end.
0:48:24 > 0:48:29I'll go forward just feeling a bit sadder that we as a generation
0:48:29 > 0:48:31have not put something interesting into the landscape.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35When people look back at us in the future, what will they think?
0:48:44 > 0:48:47In the Cheshire village of Huxley,
0:48:47 > 0:48:52the 200-year-old Farmer's Arms is facing total demolition.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55Self-made millionaire Danny Lees
0:48:55 > 0:49:00wants to flatten it and put a new pub and restaurant in its place.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03If they like old-fashioned, the pub's going to be the same.
0:49:03 > 0:49:07All oak beams and Olde Worlde countrified.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10It'll look as though it's been here for hundreds of years,
0:49:10 > 0:49:12not two or three years.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14Are you going for a ride in the van now? Are we off?
0:49:14 > 0:49:17Are we going to the pub? Come on, let's go.
0:49:20 > 0:49:25Over the next eight weeks, Danny's plans are open for public consultations.
0:49:25 > 0:49:27If the locals object,
0:49:27 > 0:49:30then the case could go before a planning committee.
0:49:30 > 0:49:31As far as I'm aware,
0:49:31 > 0:49:36we are likely to be the oldest established historical group in the Cheshire area.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40But so far, the signs are good for Danny.
0:49:41 > 0:49:43Realistically, a building has a natural life.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45When it comes to the end of that natural life,
0:49:45 > 0:49:47it's important that the conscience is not lost
0:49:47 > 0:49:52but the building itself can be another incarnation.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54We certainly need a pub in the village.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58Every village has to have a pub, to be its heart.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00Great. Very needed in the village.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Heather Carr. Sit down, please.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05I nearly had a heart attack.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07If that works on a battlefield, it'll work in a meeting.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11Danny has public support.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14But before he can knock down the old pub,
0:50:14 > 0:50:16Conservation Officer John Healey
0:50:16 > 0:50:19needs to decide if it's worth saving.
0:50:20 > 0:50:23It's basically a small cottage which, over the years,
0:50:23 > 0:50:26has grown to provide for the local population.
0:50:26 > 0:50:30It's very charming. It's very typical, rather than exceptional.
0:50:30 > 0:50:35But it's representative of something which is becoming rarer and rarer
0:50:35 > 0:50:40and that is something which originated as a public house in the true sense of the word.
0:50:40 > 0:50:46In other words, it was a small cottage which served home brew in a domestic setting.
0:50:48 > 0:50:53Records suggest part of the pub was once used as a military hospital
0:50:53 > 0:50:55during the Napoleonic War.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59It's a simple building, but it's been in the heart of the village for centuries.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06I think the authenticity is surely a unique selling point
0:51:06 > 0:51:08from a business point of view.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10The age of the building
0:51:10 > 0:51:15and the amount of original fabric surviving internally and externally
0:51:15 > 0:51:19is also providing strong justification for the retention of the building.
0:51:19 > 0:51:24Unfortunately, there is a mindset here to provide a completely new building.
0:51:24 > 0:51:27The place would be sadder for its loss.
0:51:29 > 0:51:34John is recommending to the planners that they should turn down Danny's application.
0:51:34 > 0:51:39They have six weeks to make their decision, but Danny's preparing for the worst.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44If I couldn't take it down, I'd have to put it back on the market again.
0:51:44 > 0:51:45Simple as that.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55In Cheltenham, after a planning battle that lasted for five months,
0:51:55 > 0:52:00restoration plans for Royal Crescent were finally approved by the conservation officer.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04Its owners, the Smith family, have realised their dream
0:52:04 > 0:52:08and finally become Cheltenham residents.
0:52:08 > 0:52:10Let's have a curry and sit on my bed and watch Friends!
0:52:10 > 0:52:14Although they've only managed to restore the kitchen so far
0:52:14 > 0:52:16and are all sleeping in the basement.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20We've moved in. All our stuff is in storage at the moment,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23so it's still a bit difficult, but we're very happy to be here.
0:52:23 > 0:52:28It feels strange, because when we bought the house, we couldn't see what it would look like.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30There was so much that needed doing.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32It's really nice. A really nice space.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34I think it's going to be great.
0:52:38 > 0:52:39Since approval two months ago,
0:52:39 > 0:52:44specialised builders and craftsmen have been working to restore original features
0:52:44 > 0:52:49and build new ones according to the conservation officer's recommendations.
0:52:51 > 0:52:52I can see the end of the road.
0:52:52 > 0:52:55Whereas a couple of months ago, I couldn't see the end of the road.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59I felt I was the one who knew more about this building
0:52:59 > 0:53:01than anybody else.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04As we've started the project, we've learned a tremendous amount.
0:53:04 > 0:53:08They may have planning permission to restore the house,
0:53:08 > 0:53:12but they still see the decking as a missed opportunity.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16Initially, we had a hell of a lot of creativity.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20We were all guns blazing. We had loads of ideas.
0:53:20 > 0:53:25And when we had the site meeting, which was quite confrontational,
0:53:25 > 0:53:27the whole dream was crushed.
0:53:27 > 0:53:32But there are signs of the Smiths' creativity making a new appearance.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35We haven't been defeated yet.
0:53:35 > 0:53:39- It's been a big learning process. - Can I say something there?
0:53:39 > 0:53:44- I haven't finished!- We haven't been defeated by the negative response we had
0:53:44 > 0:53:48- in our first...- I'm grateful for what they've done. I hadn't finished.
0:53:48 > 0:53:53It's made us realise we don't want a decking the size we originally wanted.
0:53:53 > 0:53:58Dad Chris has designed a new decking half the size of the original one
0:53:58 > 0:54:01hoping it would blend in better with their Regency house.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04We'd like to present this back to planning
0:54:04 > 0:54:09and I think that Karen's going to be very impressed when this lands on her desk.
0:54:09 > 0:54:13What we've got is a glazing panel going round the outside here.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16Which actually is see-through.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19And also, underneath, you can still see the building there.
0:54:19 > 0:54:24So if you were at the back of the building, there's not much you'd see of what we're putting into place.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27She'll be delighted, I think.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30It will be done. Definitely it will be.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32It's going to be uber-cool.
0:54:32 > 0:54:33Lovely Karen.
0:54:41 > 0:54:42Come on, Bertie.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44There's a good lad.
0:54:45 > 0:54:50In Cheshire, Danny Lees still hasn't got permission to demolish the Farmer's Arms.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53But that hasn't stopped him working on the project.
0:54:53 > 0:54:58I've got all ten of these out of an old railway station.
0:54:59 > 0:55:00They're going to be the beer garden.
0:55:02 > 0:55:07Without planning permission, Danny is only allowed to remove the building's roof and fixtures.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10The walls will have to wait.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14I don't count my chickens before they hatch.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17But mark my words, when it is right, we'll get on with it
0:55:17 > 0:55:21We're going back a bit Olde Worlde. There'll be nothing modern about that pub.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23But it'll be class.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32Conservation Officer John Healey has recommended the building be saved.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35But with no official historic listing,
0:55:35 > 0:55:38the final decision is down to the planners.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42He's got quite big living accommodation.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45He's basically showing two flats above.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48So he's got living accommodation for staff.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51He's got predominantly a large lounge and restaurant
0:55:51 > 0:55:54and a decent kitchen to serve the restaurant.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56So economically, it is important.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58It might only create one, two or three jobs,
0:55:58 > 0:56:01but in this day and age, it's good to get any jobs created.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04And it obviously retains wealth within the borough.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07Just because it's survived
0:56:07 > 0:56:09doesn't mean it's of sufficient merit to warrant its retention.
0:56:09 > 0:56:13So in this instance, we're taking a pragmatic view
0:56:13 > 0:56:15and we're going to recommend approval.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20This time, Conservation Officer John Healey has been overruled.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24It is words, not law. We do take his advice on board.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26We don't always agree with him.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30I would say 85% of the time we do,
0:56:30 > 0:56:32but sometimes we have to agree to differ.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34Because we have perhaps a slightly different agenda.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38We're about promoting growth, and sustainable growth.
0:56:38 > 0:56:43And John is perhaps more about preserving what he considers is good of the past.
0:56:54 > 0:56:56Over in Huxley,
0:56:56 > 0:57:00Danny wastes no time in pulling down the Farmer's Arms
0:57:00 > 0:57:01to the ground.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04He's even bought his own digger.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08I'm glad they saw sense and let us get on with it.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11At the end of the day, it's wasted a lot of time.
0:57:11 > 0:57:13I'm only trying to employ people and get stuck in.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16At the end of the day, when it's up and running,
0:57:16 > 0:57:19it will be an asset for the area.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22Danny is recycling all the old bricks and slates
0:57:22 > 0:57:29but even so, Conservation Officer John Healey has one less historic building to look after.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31It's a sad end to it, really, isn't it?
0:57:31 > 0:57:34It's a...pile of rubble.
0:57:35 > 0:57:40We have lost a part of the historic environment
0:57:40 > 0:57:42of the district.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47No hard feelings to John Healey.
0:57:47 > 0:57:50If he wants to come down in a few years when I've built it,
0:57:50 > 0:57:52there will be somewhere to list! That's a promise.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00Next time on The Planners...
0:58:00 > 0:58:04locals go ape, when the planners deal with a zoo's application
0:58:04 > 0:58:05to expand.
0:58:05 > 0:58:06How do you feel?
0:58:06 > 0:58:08Appalling.
0:58:08 > 0:58:10The whole thing is just fantasy land now.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13We're living in an alternative universe.
0:58:14 > 0:58:18A scheme to convert a period mansion fails to impress.
0:58:18 > 0:58:23I just can't see any justification for taking this one forward in any form at the moment.
0:58:23 > 0:58:27Do the locals want this building to be derelict? That will happen if the planners get their way.
0:58:27 > 0:58:29And one planner...
0:58:29 > 0:58:32This is the site for the proposal for up to 100 homes.
0:58:32 > 0:58:34..comes under attack.
0:58:34 > 0:58:38I don't think she quite understands the impact of her decisions.
0:58:38 > 0:58:41Or maybe she does and she just doesn't care.
0:59:06 > 0:59:09Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd