0:00:02 > 0:00:05Britain is a green and pleasant land,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07but for how long?
0:00:07 > 0:00:09We're now getting to 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 > 0:00:18the race is on to get Britain building.
0:00:18 > 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 6ft 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 > 0:00:35I've had bloody enough of it with what we've got in this town
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- for counsellors and the load of- BLEEP- they're putting up.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40..and neighbours are going to war.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42We always won our battles as a family,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44and we'll win this one.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47In the firing line, shaping the country of the future,
0:00:47 > 0:00:49are Britain's planners.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- So, nothing happens in the hall, yeah?- Yes.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53No. No? Yes? No? Yes?
0:00:53 > 0:00:54Well, thank you for letting us visit,
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- and we'll see you on Thursday. - SHE SNIFFLES
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Another British planning cock-up, really.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01Ooh!
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Most planners spend their days dealing with homeowners
0:01:17 > 0:01:18and housing developers.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25But every now and then,
0:01:25 > 0:01:30an application arrives that's a little out of the ordinary.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Planner Judith Gordon is near the villages of Lostock Green
0:01:33 > 0:01:36and Lach Dennis in Cheshire.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40This is what the proposed site layout entails.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42And we're standing round about here.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44And then...
0:01:45 > 0:01:47..this would be the building itself.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50It would be a similar size probably to a bungalow.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53It may look like a detached house
0:01:53 > 0:01:56with a lot of parking spaces and a large chimney,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59but it is, in fact, a crematorium.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07We haven't dealt with a new private crematorium before,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11so it's a process of learning for everybody involved.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- It's long grass, isn't it? - It's really long.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- Waders might have been more appropriate.- I know!
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Some of my colleagues have said, "I wish I was dealing with that."
0:02:20 > 0:02:23I think they'd maybe like to accompany on
0:02:23 > 0:02:25certainly visits to crematoriums and see what really goes on
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and dispel some of the myths that people have.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Last year, planners received just a handful of applications
0:02:38 > 0:02:40to build private crematoria.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47Three of those were from father and son Howard and Jamieson Hodgson.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51They're hoping to build their next crematorium in Cheshire,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54but their flagship development is in South Wales.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57We wanted people to feel
0:02:57 > 0:03:00that it was professional, that it was comfortable,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02that it was like a five-star hotel,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06but at the same time, it wasn't mauve curtains
0:03:06 > 0:03:10and very Victorian, depressing death,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13but it was sombre but yet still tastefully done.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15And I think, you know, we've achieved that.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18These are very modern colours,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20but at the same time, they are restrained.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21They're not jazzy.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Most crematoria are counsel-owned.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29The Hodgsons have spotted a gap in the market,
0:03:29 > 0:03:34and charge upwards of £500 for services at their memorial parks.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39The public's biggest single complaint
0:03:39 > 0:03:42would definitely be that they're in a conveyor belt.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44And so the whole thing is designed
0:03:44 > 0:03:46so they won't see anybody else out there,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49they won't hear anybody else behind them here,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52they will exit over there from a different way,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55and we have 45-minute times, whereas the usual is...
0:03:55 > 0:03:58It can be, in a very busy crematorium, 20.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59More usually, probably 30.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06I've grown up in this business. I remember, when I was very young,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08my sister and I had easily the fastest sledges
0:04:08 > 0:04:10because they were made of coffin boards.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Howard sold his undertaker business for £7 million.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Private crematoria are his latest venture,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23and he spent nearly £100,000 on the application in Cheshire.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27The reason that we would want to build it,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29erm, is because it's needed.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32We're looking to service in the region of 140,000 people.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35So it is there for community benefit.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40It's also worth remembering that any one of these that is built by us
0:04:40 > 0:04:43will cost something between £3.5 million to £4 million.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45That's a big investment,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and we have to know that there is a need.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50If it's not going to do 1,000 cremations a year,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53then it's not going to give us our money back.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Crematoria have to be at least 200 yards from neighbouring buildings,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01which is why Memoria have picked the Cheshire site.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05It'd be quite small in terms of the general landscape,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08but you need to consider
0:05:08 > 0:05:11what kind of impact that's going to have on this...
0:05:11 > 0:05:16You know, it's rural in nature. It's virgin agricultural land.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19This kind of application
0:05:19 > 0:05:22is something that's going to provoke a response.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32The locals seem to be fairly anti.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36The proposed site lies on a B road
0:05:36 > 0:05:39half a mile between the two villages.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45The locals have wasted no time putting pen to paper.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Among them, national newspaper cartoonist...
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- That's the wrong way round. - ..Bill Stott.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Where the crematorium
0:05:52 > 0:05:53is going to be
0:05:53 > 0:05:55is a lovely meadow.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59It's really nice. It's full of that green stuff called grass.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I'd far rather it stayed like that.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05It just feels sad that the developers -
0:06:05 > 0:06:06a company from down south -
0:06:06 > 0:06:10can come up here and bulldoze in our village
0:06:10 > 0:06:14not knowing anything about it, the people, the place.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16We have a farm.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20A farm is what we have. It's farmland.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21What we don't want is
0:06:21 > 0:06:25a damn great chimney and crematorium
0:06:25 > 0:06:29ruining a fantastic piece of Cheshire countryside.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36One of their big worries is the amount of speeding traffic
0:06:36 > 0:06:39the crematorium could bring through the villages.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- We have another fast car coming now.- Exactly.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Here we go. Look at the speed of this one.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- Whoa!- Gosh, that's appalling!
0:06:47 > 0:06:50This is not an infrequent occurrence.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54This is regular. This is a rural lane.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58There will be probably seven funerals a day.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02That's 14 trips if you count going home again.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Well, going home again minus one.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22In Lancashire, self-made millionaire Colin Burrell
0:07:22 > 0:07:24is working on his current project -
0:07:24 > 0:07:27three new homes in Oldham.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31I'm 72. I'm still going,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34and I get up between six and half past every morning.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38And I might not go in for my tea till ten o'clock at night.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41That's truth, that.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Right... Ooh, them are big nails.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Colin's made a fortune buying up derelict properties
0:07:46 > 0:07:48and selling them on.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50If you want something, you've got to work for it.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Nobody'll give you nowt.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Although this country seems to give everybody summat for nowt.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- I shouldn't say that, should I? - HE LAUGHS
0:07:59 > 0:08:02For his latest project, he's teamed up with his friend,
0:08:02 > 0:08:04kitchen entrepreneur Mark Harrington,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06and architect Andy Woodward.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09They want to build five log cabins as holiday homes
0:08:09 > 0:08:15on land Colin owns in the village of Birtle on the outskirts of Rochdale.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18They're a kind of a traditional log cabin.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20A traditional log home.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living area.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26It's not going to look like
0:08:26 > 0:08:28your traditional caravan site
0:08:28 > 0:08:31or anything like that. It fits in with the rural aspect.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34It's very low impact.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36The main reason we're going for log cabins
0:08:36 > 0:08:39is because we think it's in keeping with the area.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43The footpaths are going to be built from something like chippings
0:08:43 > 0:08:46or bark that will allow water to go through,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48and so they won't affect the trees or anything.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52We just wanted to put together a quality development.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- It's not... - Which we think we've done.- Yeah.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58And if you're not going to get planning approval for this here,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00you're not going to get planning approval for it anywhere at all.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07They hope to rent the cabins out and encourage tourism in Rochdale.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10The Rochdale tourist board have been very, very excited
0:09:10 > 0:09:14cos they know that there's a lack of quality dwellings for tourists
0:09:14 > 0:09:17on this side of the town.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- Yeah. Well, it's a nice place for a millionaire, even, here.- Yeah.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24You know, and the working man, as well.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29I think the people round here would be quite proud of it, actually.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- This is your dog, Julie, isn't it?- It is.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32- What's he called? She?- Maisie.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Maisie, are you coming to help in the woodland?
0:09:36 > 0:09:39But the villagers are already proud of Birtle.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42In the past, they've fought off plans for a quarry
0:09:42 > 0:09:46and have created an action group to protect the look of the village.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48We are an action group, yes.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Sometimes, we don't feel very active in the pub
0:09:51 > 0:09:52when we're having a meeting.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54But, yes, we are an action group.
0:09:54 > 0:10:00We act and we react to things. Depends what they are.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04When they saw the plans for the log cabins, they reacted.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06We don't want the log cabins
0:10:06 > 0:10:10because it's inappropriate development on the green belt
0:10:10 > 0:10:12and it's just on the edge of the conservation area.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17There are more reasons, but those are the main ones.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Are you a local person?- Yeah.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Although I'm an incomer, I've lived here
0:10:21 > 0:10:27for 42 years. And, you know, we have tried very hard
0:10:27 > 0:10:30to preserve it. As you can see, it is a lovely spot.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32It's got a lot of character.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34We're trying to keep Birtle...
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Well, Birtle beautiful.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Right, I think that's full.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42The Birtle Trust has written to the planning department
0:10:42 > 0:10:45asking for the cabins to be refused.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49I bet half of them people what live there are all comer-inners anyway.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I bet they weren't the original ones what worked in the mills.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55They think they're summat special, comer-inners.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Every time you go and build something, people think,
0:10:58 > 0:11:02"Ooh, what's going on?" But they wouldn't be in their houses.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07The best outcome for Birtle would be that it's refused.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12Keep Birtle green and no more built-on than it is already.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15We sound like real Nimbys, don't we?
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Don't mean to. We just want Birtle to be beautiful,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- don't we?- Yes, of course we do. - As beautiful as it can be.- Yes.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27It'll be down to Rochdale planner Rebecca Coley
0:11:27 > 0:11:29to decide if the cabins can go ahead.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34We do have quite a lot of tourism, and we do get a lot of walkers,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37cyclists, and horse riders round the various trails.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42So, there is a recognised need for tourism accommodation,
0:11:42 > 0:11:46and we need to be convinced that it is the right sort of development.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58If people are very protective over changes to the area they live in,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01they're equally passionate about any threats to the wildlife
0:12:01 > 0:12:03in their own back gardens.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09Usually, throw out just three or four handfuls of these bird nuts.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11It seems to keep them happy.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15In this suburban corner of Cheltenham,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18there's one family that's particularly popular
0:12:18 > 0:12:20with the neighbours.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22This is for their supper tonight.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27That's fish, ham, peanuts, and cat food.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31But when I do them bread rolls, they go wild.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Can I have a quick peep out in case they're here?
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Quite often, we'll see the security light next door come on.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Then you'll hear rustling in the bushes,
0:12:42 > 0:12:43and out they'll come.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45RUSTLING
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It's quarter to ten, and we have a badger.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55There are around 20 badgers living in a sett
0:12:55 > 0:12:57on the land at the end of the gardens.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Last year, we had
0:13:01 > 0:13:0411 badgers and two foxes in the drive at one time.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08That's a sandwich from next door.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12It's really good - really good - as long as they stay off my lawn.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Three weeks ago, developers submitted plans
0:13:16 > 0:13:19to build on the land where the badgers live.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22I think that if the planned development goes ahead,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25there's bound to be an impact on the wildlife,
0:13:25 > 0:13:26and that would be a shame.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35New building land in Cheltenham is so hard to find
0:13:35 > 0:13:38that developers have persuaded some homeowners
0:13:38 > 0:13:40to sell parts of their back gardens -
0:13:40 > 0:13:43a strategy known as garden grabbing.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Planner Rob Lindsey is dealing with the housing application
0:13:46 > 0:13:49that could affect the badger setts.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52It's a proposal to put up nine detached houses
0:13:52 > 0:13:56on a site which has been assembled from rear gardens.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Developers are having to look at several different sites,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03different ownerships, and assemble them into one development site.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Even though they're gardens, the land is overgrown...
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Looks good for badgers, doesn't it?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13..which makes it the ideal home for badgers.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Oh, look, a feeding bowl.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Development near badgers has to take place
0:14:22 > 0:14:24respecting the badgers and their habits,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27particularly their foraging habits because they have a main sett.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30They forage from that. And they have outlying setts.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32There are two or three of those on this site,
0:14:32 > 0:14:36so that's one of the major constraints.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Construction is sometimes allowed near to badgers,
0:14:39 > 0:14:41but their setts are protected.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Any harm to the animals can result in fines of up to £5,000
0:14:45 > 0:14:47and a possible prison sentence.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50There is scope for development,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53as long as the proper procedures are put in place
0:14:53 > 0:14:56for keeping the main badger sett active
0:14:56 > 0:14:59and allowing the badgers their normal foraging.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It's a difficult balance.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Some people living nearby don't want any disruption
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and have written in to object to the housing plans.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Oh, I love them.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14If I saw anybody doing anything wrong,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16I'd be very, very cross.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19When the wildlife reports come in,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22the planners will decide whether the badgers must make way
0:15:22 > 0:15:24for the new housing.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37In Cheshire, objectors to the proposed crematorium
0:15:37 > 0:15:39are getting organised.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40They've formed a committee
0:15:40 > 0:15:44and even appointed a PR officer to fight against developers Memoria -
0:15:44 > 0:15:47dress shop owner Rosemarie Teece.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I put together a newsletter for the villagers to look at,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52and I did some little scenarios about what would happen
0:15:52 > 0:15:55if a child's crossing the road and there's an accident,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57because, you know, he's not looked both ways.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59And what would happen if, you know,
0:15:59 > 0:16:01you can't sell your house for three years.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03The questions that children are going to be asking.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07"Why is that black car driving so slowly, Mummy? What's in that box in the back? Where are they going?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09"What are they going to be doing with it down there?
0:16:09 > 0:16:11"Why has it got flowers on it?" You know,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13"Will I do that with my hamster when he dies?"
0:16:13 > 0:16:15You know, these sort of things that...
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Children are going to be asking these questions,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19and their parents have got to have the answers for them.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Memoria have thrust death on our children without any option.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27It's life-changing for the villages.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31It completely changes a quiet, rural village into...
0:16:31 > 0:16:34We don't like to think about what.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39In their mind's eye, when they know there's going to be
0:16:39 > 0:16:41a crematorium built, they don't see this.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44They see black smoke pouring out of
0:16:44 > 0:16:47these brick chimneys that are going to destroy their property values.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Just not true.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It's the big taboo subject. We're frightened of death,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and that's why we either have to treat it like Dracula
0:16:55 > 0:16:58or treat it as if it's a comedy.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02This'll be interesting.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Planner Judith Gordon is visiting the local
0:17:04 > 0:17:07council-run crematorium in Warrington.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11She'll make a recommendation on Memoria's proposal,
0:17:11 > 0:17:15but she needs to understand the likely environmental impact
0:17:15 > 0:17:17of a new crematorium in Cheshire.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21There seem to be a lot of myths about crematoriums
0:17:21 > 0:17:25and about what happens to bodies and whose remains you get and so on,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28so I think it's really important to understand the complexity
0:17:28 > 0:17:30of the service that's provided.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- He's paying his respects now, the minister.- Yes.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34He will then, in a moment,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36make his way to this door here, as we said before.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38MUSIC: Barwick Green (Theme To The Archers)
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Ah, they like The Archers, then.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Each year, the crematorium handles 2,000 services.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59On average, you're looking about 18 minutes per cremation.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Wow.- OK?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Warrington crematorium is more than twice the size
0:18:05 > 0:18:07of the one proposed in Cheshire.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09As well as considering traffic and landscape,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Judith has to look at the possible impact
0:18:11 > 0:18:13of the incinerator on the atmosphere.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17This is the operational side of things, OK?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19On completion of the cremation process,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22the remains will then drop down into here, OK?
0:18:22 > 0:18:27Once they're cooled sufficiently, the remains are then taken from here
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- to the transfer cabinet, which is this here.- OK.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34This is a magnet that you'll gently run through the remains.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36And that magnet will then kind of extract
0:18:36 > 0:18:38any metal objects, any pins, OK?
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- So, you'll have things like kneecaps or hip joints...- Yeah.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43..and things like that which will come out in whole pieces?
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- Yeah, you will physically see those. - OK.- OK?
0:18:46 > 0:18:49This feels very sort of clinical, I think.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54To actually follow the process, it's dispelled a lot of myths.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55If you want to look in there, Judith,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59you'll actually see now that there's very little left in there now.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03It's not a kind of upsetting thing at all.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07You couldn't actually identify that there had been a body in there
0:19:07 > 0:19:09or that it was the remains of a body.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11I always wanted to be buried.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14It was my personal theory that I came into this world with two arms,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- two legs and a head, and I'd want to go out the same way.- Yeah.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21But after seeing this process, there's dignity in this.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24There's cleanliness in this. You know, there's...
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- You know, you can take somebody away.- Yeah.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28So, I'm now beginning to rethink this
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and thinking, "Well, perhaps cremation is the way forward."
0:19:31 > 0:19:32You know?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Judith has eight weeks to make her recommendation,
0:19:40 > 0:19:42but she won't have the final say.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45That'll be down to the 11 elected members
0:19:45 > 0:19:47of Cheshire West's planning committee.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54In the village of Birtle, near Rochdale,
0:19:54 > 0:19:58there's an application to build four log cabins on green belt land.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Colin Burrell and his friend Mark Harrington
0:20:03 > 0:20:05are off to see what the log cabins could look like
0:20:05 > 0:20:07if they get permission.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Oh, it's a beautiful setting.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Now, anybody that says they don't like this, Colin,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18bloomin' heck, there's something wrong with them.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20These 11 cabins near Bradford in Yorkshire
0:20:20 > 0:20:25are rented out to holiday-makers for up to £170 a night.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26Wipe your feet. Look at that.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- So, there you go. - Yeah, it's very nice.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I'd recommend it for an 'oliday here.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35A little wood-burning stove there in the corner.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Ooh, I'd be asleep the whole time.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Hey!- King of the castle, eh? - HE LAUGHS
0:20:41 > 0:20:45This is very nice. Very nice.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- Ooh, you've got a thing.- Yeah, that's your steam room, isn't it?
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- Oh, no, no. What do you call it?- Sauna.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- They throw water on.- A sauna. - A what?- A sauna.- Sauna!- Sauna.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59If the log cabins are built in Birtle,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03they will stand on wooden stilts and won't need foundations.
0:21:03 > 0:21:09Even so, the locals don't want any development on the green belt.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11The people who don't want us to do this in Birtle,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14if you brought them over here and said...
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Hired a coach and said, "Just come and have a look at this.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18"Now tell me you don't want it.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21"Tell me it's not going to be nice," or whatever.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- I don't know.- I can't fault them.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Back in Birtle, planner Rebecca Coley needs to work out
0:21:27 > 0:21:32if the cabins would harm the trees and threaten the green belt.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34We have a tourism officer and he has written a letter
0:21:34 > 0:21:36saying that he would support log cabins
0:21:36 > 0:21:38in this part of the borough.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41But that doesn't outweigh the fact that it's in the green belt.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43There are... There are other sites.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45There are fundamentally two issues here.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48There's the principle of the development in the green belt.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49Is it appropriate or inappropriate?
0:21:49 > 0:21:52And then there's the issue of the protected trees,
0:21:52 > 0:21:57which would be the case whether this site was in the green belt or not.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58I find it very difficult to comprehend
0:21:58 > 0:22:00how they're going to get a log cabin on here
0:22:00 > 0:22:02without some impact on that tree. The roots...
0:22:02 > 0:22:06The roots are going to be out to at least here, if not further.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08And if you dig down and hit tree roots,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12then you damage those trees, and those trees are likely to die.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Rebecca will need to see evidence that Colin and Mark can deliver
0:22:15 > 0:22:18the cabins without damaging the environment.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- There you go, Mr Burrell. Let's take a seat, sir.- Right, OK. Thank you.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- Look at that.- Take a seat. Enjoy.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Oh, yeah. It's just beefed me up even more now, seeing this.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30I really want to do it now.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31We should have brought a six-pack, Colin.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33No, I'm not going the route of that.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Had enough on Saturday.- Did you? - HE CHUCKLES
0:22:36 > 0:22:37Oh, God.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39It isn't a particularly well-thought-out scheme,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41I don't think.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44So, there's a lot of detail, which just hasn't...
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Doesn't seem to have been thought about,
0:22:46 > 0:22:48or has been thought about...
0:22:49 > 0:22:51..and they know that they would have a detrimental impact,
0:22:51 > 0:22:55so they're trying to not mention it and hope that we don't notice.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I always notice! Don't get very much past me.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Hello. Can I speak to Rebecca, please?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- ON PHONE:- Yes, speaking. - Rebecca, it's Mark.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10When Colin and Mark read Rebecca's concerns,
0:23:10 > 0:23:12they decide on a conference call.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15There's no trees coming down at all. Not at any point.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16But there would be no way
0:23:16 > 0:23:18of actually getting construction vehicles
0:23:18 > 0:23:20or actually getting the log cabins into the site.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Yeah, but we weren't really anticipating
0:23:22 > 0:23:25putting any vehicles on the site. Just delivering the materials,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and they would be carried by the workers.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30It all comes in pieces, you see. It doesn't come in sections.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31But how would we control that?
0:23:31 > 0:23:35We can't be there to prevent your workers coming in
0:23:35 > 0:23:37and taking those trees out and damaging those trees.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40And there's other issues with the ground levels and drainage
0:23:40 > 0:23:43and hard and soft landscaping.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- Yeah.- If you were to resubmit the application
0:23:45 > 0:23:46with the necessary information,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- you may well be able to address those reasons.- OK.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- Thanks very much, Rebecca. - Bye.- Thank you, bye.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57She's telling him, as a layman, saying,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59"Oh, yes, but you can't do this, you can't...
0:23:59 > 0:24:01"We can't come back and watch the trees. We can't do that."
0:24:01 > 0:24:03What a load of bunkum.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I just got the impression that she didn't want it.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08HE CHUCKLES
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Colin and Mark have an opportunity to submit more evidence
0:24:11 > 0:24:16to convince Rebecca before she makes a final decision on the log cabins.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26The planning process can be frustrating,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30but the consequences of ignoring it can be life-changing.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34On the banks of the River Dee in Cheshire sits Heron Lodge,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36home to Peter Johnson.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39We get prepared for the evening.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Get our logs in, get our fire on,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44pour out the gin and tonic.
0:24:44 > 0:24:4873-year-old Peter bought his retirement home near Farndon
0:24:48 > 0:24:4913 years ago.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52It was built in the late 19th century
0:24:52 > 0:24:54and was a holiday home
0:24:54 > 0:24:58until he set about extending it and converting it for permanent use.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02This part of it was the original part
0:25:02 > 0:25:07up to the brick pier that you see over on the left.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09So, this was the original old cottage.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12It ticked all the boxes, as they say today.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16It gave me a home in the country.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18It wasn't expensive.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21It needed a lot of work, so I could put my stamp on it.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24It was my retirement home. That's why I chose it.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29But Peter always knew that Heron Lodge wasn't perfect.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33The problems with the river, really, is that
0:25:33 > 0:25:35it will come over its bank
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and just literally flood the whole of the area.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40You would not believe the volume of water
0:25:40 > 0:25:44that empties out onto this flood plain.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Peter had a solution to the flooding.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50He got permission to use jacks to raise his house 6ft,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52lifting it out of the flood plain.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57The cottage was at the same level as the lane out there.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00We dragged RSJs underneath the building - four of them -
0:26:00 > 0:26:01sat them on jacks,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04and literally jacked the old girl up an inch at a time.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Probably a little bit crackers.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10I think my kids would probably have me locked up
0:26:10 > 0:26:12for taking the whole project on in the first place!
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Peter had permission to raise the house on jacks,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21but filling in the land underneath it
0:26:21 > 0:26:26and creating a small hill around the house needs separate permission,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28and Peter has had it refused.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Now the council's planning enforcement team are involved.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I like the idea, in a way, of living next to a river
0:26:37 > 0:26:41and living a sort of Wind In The Willows-type lifestyle.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45But it would certainly make life very, very difficult, I think,
0:26:45 > 0:26:49having to put up with regular floods every year.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52The council has ordered the land around Heron Lodge
0:26:52 > 0:26:55to be restored to its original level.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57The case is due to go to court,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59but Nial wants to see if anything can be done.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05He has tried to gain planning permission
0:27:05 > 0:27:08for numerous works carried out on the property,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10all of which have failed.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12The only one that he's been granted permission for
0:27:12 > 0:27:15was raising the actual house itself.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18And it's just not an appropriate development
0:27:18 > 0:27:20within a flood plain, unfortunately.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23The water has to go somewhere.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28And if you displace water from a flood plain,
0:27:28 > 0:27:33then, in theory, someone else can get flooded as a result of that.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Peter has no permanent neighbours...
0:27:37 > 0:27:40..but for the council, it's a point of principle.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- Hi. Nial Casselden. - Hi, Nial.- Hi there. Hello.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- Peter Johnson.- Hello. Good to meet you.- Good to meet you.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48I'm probably the wrong side of 70 to be living
0:27:48 > 0:27:51right out in the country in isolation,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53but I don't want to give it up.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Too much blood, sweat and tears, isn't it?
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I can certainly understand, from both angles,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03why it's got to this situation.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06So, I can appreciate why the works were carried out,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09but I can also appreciate why the council might have felt
0:28:09 > 0:28:14- that they had to take some kind of action.- Mm-hm.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19- I suppose the question now is how it gets resolved.- Yeah.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Peter's refusing to remove the raised earth
0:28:21 > 0:28:23that surrounds the house,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26so there's nothing Nial can do to prevent court action.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31I mean, in many ways, it's out of the planning department's hands now.
0:28:31 > 0:28:32Cos they've obtained an injunction.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Yeah, it's headed off into the courts.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41It is sad cos you don't really want to see anyone
0:28:41 > 0:28:44getting into this level of trouble,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47but I think he did go into it with open eyes.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48He did get advice,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51and he took the decision that he was going to do something different.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55I am an English bulldog.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57I just hate bureaucracy,
0:28:57 > 0:29:01and I hate being told what I can do with my own property.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03An Englishman's home is supposed to be his castle.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Having ignored the planners, Peter's fate lies in the courts,
0:29:09 > 0:29:11and he could lose Heron Lodge
0:29:11 > 0:29:15if the council insist on recovering their legal costs.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18My whole life is poured into this project,
0:29:18 > 0:29:20into this building and this home.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23After fighting the council for 12 years,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27all the money that I'd got, that's all gone.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30I've got to this time in my life
0:29:30 > 0:29:33and I've been licked by a bunch of bureaucrats,
0:29:33 > 0:29:37which I never thought would ever happen to me.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39I could be homeless. I'd certainly be penniless.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44They'll have to take it from me. Yeah. Yeah.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Welcome to Badger Towers,
0:30:03 > 0:30:05and if you follow me, I'll give you a little tour around.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07We can start with the sitting room.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09In Cheltenham, plans to build nine houses
0:30:09 > 0:30:11on the site of a badger sett
0:30:11 > 0:30:13have not gone down well with the neighbours,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17but they've found someone to lead their protest.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19One of our badgers is sitting down here, which is Uncle Ted,
0:30:19 > 0:30:24and then there is Grandad Badger, who's an antique, in fact.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27And Fritz, dressed in his German lederhosen.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Peter Christensen has run
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Badger Towers B&B for the last 13 years.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35That is Mr Badger.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38It's right next door to the development site.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40We have a link to the badgers, in a way,
0:30:40 > 0:30:42because of the name, of course.
0:30:42 > 0:30:48And we are very fond of the badgers and of the wildlife in this area.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50The badgers have been there for a long time.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53They are a protected species,
0:30:53 > 0:30:55and therefore should be treated with respect.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Mr Badger will fight it to the end.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03But since the objections were lodged,
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Peter and the other neighbours have started to suspect foul deeds.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13You can see across there, there's a bit of overgrown land there,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15and the badger setts are in there.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17And so it's difficult to keep an eye
0:31:17 > 0:31:19on what's happening to the badgers, of course,
0:31:19 > 0:31:24cos people can interfere with them without anybody easily finding out.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29White smoke has been seen rising above the badger sett.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32There was an attempt, I understand,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34that somebody was trying to smoke them out,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36and the police were called and unblocked the sett.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39They didn't actually find any individuals,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41so you can't really point your finger at anybody,
0:31:41 > 0:31:43but they did come and unblock it, apparently.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48These suspicions come as no surprise
0:31:48 > 0:31:51to the developer's agent Simon Firkins.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54You can see here that one of the existing homeowners
0:31:54 > 0:31:56has been clearing hedge trimmings and things like that,
0:31:56 > 0:31:57and having a bonfire on their own site,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59which they are perfectly entitled to do.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02And that could be a very, very simple explanation for the smoke
0:32:02 > 0:32:06that some of the local residents say they've seen coming from the site.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14Simon's job is to make sure the nine houses get permission
0:32:14 > 0:32:18and the developers don't fall foul of wildlife laws.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23OK. Well, here we are...
0:32:25 > 0:32:26..in a different part of the site.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29You can't really see very much because it's so overgrown,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32but, basically, the main area of badger activity
0:32:32 > 0:32:34is in that part of the site just there.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37And we've employed a specialist ecologist
0:32:37 > 0:32:39to demonstrate, as part of the application,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43that we're not going to hopefully do the badgers any harm at all,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47and what we've got on the plans is a badger exclusion zone.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49The main sett is within this zone here
0:32:49 > 0:32:51and so what's showing by this blue dotted line
0:32:51 > 0:32:54is basically an exclusion zone
0:32:54 > 0:32:56where we can't develop in
0:32:56 > 0:32:59or even have any private garden areas in.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01That is the zone that's going to be set aside
0:33:01 > 0:33:04for badgers to use as they wish.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Obviously, it's in my client's best interests
0:33:06 > 0:33:08to deal with the badgers on-site
0:33:08 > 0:33:10in absolutely the correct and proper way.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13I don't think they care.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I think what they're doing in this particular plan
0:33:16 > 0:33:20is paying lip service to the badger population and nothing more.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26The amended layout and provision of a construction-free badger zone
0:33:26 > 0:33:29means the planners are happy, so the houses can go ahead.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32You've got to listen to what
0:33:32 > 0:33:35the experts on wildlife have to say about it,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38and we've had the submitted ecologist's scheme,
0:33:38 > 0:33:43which says that the badgers can be accommodated with the development.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46So, I think you've got to be objective and set aside
0:33:46 > 0:33:49the emotional side of furry creatures.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53There are specific regulations that cover disturbance
0:33:53 > 0:33:58of a protected species habitat, and this scheme complies with that.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04But the number of objections means this application won't be decided
0:34:04 > 0:34:06by Rob and the planners alone.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12It'll go before a committee where the elected councillors will decide.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23In Cheshire, the application to build a private crematorium
0:34:23 > 0:34:26is about to be considered by the planning committee members,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29among them retired farmer Norman Wright,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33who lives with his wife June six miles from the proposed site.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38He can be very busy, but, erm,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40it's worth it. It seems worth it.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- You feel as if it's worth doing it, don't you?- Yeah.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Worthwhile. You'd never get any thanks,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49but you don't expect any thanks.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50I think he's a very good counsellor.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I like helping people, and try and sort their problems out.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- Don't we?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Norman's been on the planning committee for ten years,
0:34:59 > 0:35:01including a spell as chairman.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04We have to read the reports,
0:35:04 > 0:35:08and you have to make that decision, which is very hard sometimes.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Norman's tough. - SHE LAUGHS
0:35:16 > 0:35:19The crematorium plans are controversial,
0:35:19 > 0:35:20but Norman and the committee
0:35:20 > 0:35:23will have the officer's advice to guide them.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Planner Judith Gordon has made her recommendation.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32I have recommended approval of the application.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36We've had to consider all the details of the application,
0:35:36 > 0:35:38the impact on highways, particularly,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40and also whether it's appropriate
0:35:40 > 0:35:43to put a crematorium on a greenfield site.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46There is a need for new crematoria
0:35:46 > 0:35:48in that particular part of the borough,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52and the need should override any policy objection
0:35:52 > 0:35:55that there is about it being on a greenfield site.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02Back in the village, Judith's report is a setback for the objectors.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Disappointed, really. - Very.- Very disappointed.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09There was one phrase that she quoted, which I noted down.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12She said, "It will not cause unacceptable harm."
0:36:12 > 0:36:17So, therefore, the corollary of that is it WILL cause acceptable harm.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20And I do... I just feel disappointed.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22But it's the councillors that will make the decision.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23Yes, that's the hope.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- I mean, we haven't lost yet. - We haven't lost yet.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Before they vote on the private crematorium,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37the committee visit the site with a member of the planning team.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41The site's actually on the other side of this hedgerow now.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43The entrance involves the removal
0:36:43 > 0:36:45of 20m of hedgerow,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48but none of the trees would actually come out.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52And, actually, it's on a good, straight stretch of road,
0:36:52 > 0:36:53so as vehicles turn in and out,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- there's a good view from both directions.- There is.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57There is good visibility in both directions.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01- It certainly meets the standards for visibility.- Yeah.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06We believe that we have the planning arguments at this site
0:37:06 > 0:37:08to go ahead, which is why we're here.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11We are very careful to make sure that,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13when we have chosen a site,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15that it will comply with all of the things
0:37:15 > 0:37:18that we know it needs to comply with.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21I mean, you could say that a planning application
0:37:21 > 0:37:23will cost £100,000,
0:37:23 > 0:37:28so, I mean, if you lose one, you've lost £100,000.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30But support from the planning officer
0:37:30 > 0:37:33is no guarantee the application will succeed.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Councillors can weigh up all opinions put before them.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39You can't make a decision.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42You've got to listen to all the arguments
0:37:42 > 0:37:44before you make a decision.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46It's like being on a jury, where, in fact,
0:37:46 > 0:37:50you would not expect the jurors to have come to a decision
0:37:50 > 0:37:53before they've heard all the evidence.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I have been asked by local residents to take you up
0:37:56 > 0:37:59and drive through Lostock Green and see the access.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06"Don't wreck our village."
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- That's why they want us to come down here.- Yes.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11To see this sign. "No crematorium."
0:38:14 > 0:38:17But you can understand it. There's a lot more traffic.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21I mean, one has to sympathise, even if one doesn't always agree.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25When the bus returns to the council offices,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29the villagers will find out if their protests have struck a chord,
0:38:29 > 0:38:34and Memoria will find out if it's £100,000 well spent.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37You just have to wait, and that's probably the hardest bit.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43At least it isn't a wind farm.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45HE LAUGHS
0:38:48 > 0:38:51In Birtle, near Rochdale, a decision has been made
0:38:51 > 0:38:55on the application to build four log cabins on the green belt.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Planner Rebecca Coley has posted the decision online
0:38:59 > 0:39:03for applicants Mark Harrington and Colin Burrell to read.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05I would expect yes
0:39:05 > 0:39:09because it's making the area better, whatever anybody says.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11It is going to make the area better.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13And it'll look nice.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Decision. There's the decision.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18That's the little chap we want.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Right, OK.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24On the heading there, "Rochdale Council,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27"Metropolitan Borough Council, refusal of planning permission."
0:39:27 > 0:39:29So, they have refused it.
0:39:30 > 0:39:31The reasons.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Right. "The site lies within the Greater Manchester green belt,
0:39:34 > 0:39:39"where the erection of new buildings is inappropriate development."
0:39:39 > 0:39:40It's not green belt. It's next to a pub.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44It's like the centre of the village. People object.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45No matter what you tell them,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48they can object, and they will object.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51The applicant hasn't demonstrated that the works could proceed
0:39:51 > 0:39:54without having to lose some of those trees.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- They're not going to go near the trees.- No, but there's roots.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03Yeah, roots. I've got more trees on my land than they've got there!
0:40:03 > 0:40:06There are eight reasons for refusal.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08It is a lot.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Normally, there'd only be one or two,
0:40:10 > 0:40:12but there are a lot of issues with this site.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16They've taken a chance and it's not worked out.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Clearly, it's something which can't be supported in the green belt.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24There was only ever going to be one conclusion, really, for this one.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29In Birtle, it's welcome news for Patricia Sullivan,
0:40:29 > 0:40:33leader of the group opposing development in the village.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Fantastic. I'm so happy.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Really happy. I need to go for a drink very soon.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39What time is it? It's early.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57In Cheshire, the River Dee has burst its banks
0:40:57 > 0:41:00for the ninth time in 12 months.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Peter Johnson's home is now surrounded by floodwater,
0:41:04 > 0:41:09and he's using his boat and waders to get to and from Heron Lodge.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15You need the fridge and the freezer and the cupboards stocked up,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18plenty of gin and tonic in, and live with it, you know.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21If it takes three or four days a year
0:41:21 > 0:41:24of a little bit of difficulty with the boat,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27it's worth it to live out in a place like this.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31Despite the flood,
0:41:31 > 0:41:35the house is high and dry, and that's the problem.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Peter had permission to raise the house on jacks,
0:41:38 > 0:41:42but he's been told to remove the soil that he banked up around it.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44He ignored enforcement notices
0:41:44 > 0:41:47telling him to restore the land to its previous levels.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Hello, Justin. Are you all right?
0:41:49 > 0:41:52If the levels were restored, the house would be left on stilts.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Yeah, if you comply with the enforcement notices,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57you'll finish up with an uninhabitable dwelling
0:41:57 > 0:42:00that will be totally wrecked.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02I don't think there's any common sense
0:42:02 > 0:42:06in terms of making a compromise with Chester Council.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Now the council also wants £50,000
0:42:10 > 0:42:13to cover enforcement action and legal costs.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15It's money Peter says he hasn't got,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18so they're considering seizing his home.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22It is absolutely stupid.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27And all I've done is protected my home from flooding. Eh?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Does it make any sense? None of it makes any sense.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- British justice, eh? - HE SCOFFS
0:42:37 > 0:42:40There you go. C'est la vie.
0:42:42 > 0:42:47Peter's feud with Chester Council has been going on for 13 years,
0:42:47 > 0:42:49but it could be about to end.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52It's escalated and escalated over the years
0:42:52 > 0:42:54because he's maintained his unwillingness
0:42:54 > 0:42:56to do anything to mitigate
0:42:56 > 0:42:59the harm that he's caused, and, similarly,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02the council has been unwilling to let the matter drop.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08There will have to be some kind of resolution, one way or another.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11It's really just whether that involves
0:43:11 > 0:43:13his cooperation or otherwise.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18When the floodwaters subside, Peter's off to the civil courts
0:43:18 > 0:43:22to see if he can reach a settlement with the council's lawyers.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27For Peter, it's about much more than just planning.
0:43:27 > 0:43:32It's an English trait, isn't it, to triumph against adversity?
0:43:32 > 0:43:37I mean, Scott to the Antarctic, Hunt up the Himalayas.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41You know, there's so much of English heritage and English history
0:43:41 > 0:43:45based in people triumphing against adversity.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48If I triumph against Chester - I don't think I will -
0:43:48 > 0:43:52but I'm going to do my darnedest to get these blighters on the hook
0:43:52 > 0:43:55and expose them for what they are -
0:43:55 > 0:43:56an evil bunch of bureaucrats.
0:44:03 > 0:44:04The rules are there for a reason
0:44:04 > 0:44:07and the enforcement notices were upheld by inspectors.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10They've also been through court, and judges have agreed
0:44:10 > 0:44:13with the stance that the council has taken,
0:44:13 > 0:44:18so we're completely correct in the approach to this particular case.
0:44:19 > 0:44:20We can't just let matters drop
0:44:20 > 0:44:23because they become complicated or long-winded.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25We don't like serving notices
0:44:25 > 0:44:27and we don't like sending the bulldozers in,
0:44:27 > 0:44:29but we have to have teeth.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32The court hearing takes 40 minutes.
0:44:32 > 0:44:36Peter is told by the judge to enter arbitration with the council
0:44:36 > 0:44:38and find a way to repay the money
0:44:38 > 0:44:41and restore the ground around Heron Lodge.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45The judge ordered that there should be, in the first,
0:44:45 > 0:44:48an attempt to negotiate a settlement to the matter,
0:44:48 > 0:44:51so we can get round the table and talk.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Hopefully, this'll be the start of the end, if that's the right phrase.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57I don't know. I'm hoping so.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03One way or another, sooner rather than later,
0:45:03 > 0:45:05Mr Johnson is going to have to comply.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09Hopefully, we can do that through cooperation and negotiation,
0:45:09 > 0:45:12but if that's not possible, then, yes, we will have to consider
0:45:12 > 0:45:15perhaps more drastic options for achieving compliance.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17But it will have to happen.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36In Cheltenham, the planning committee has arrived
0:45:36 > 0:45:37at the site of the badger sett
0:45:37 > 0:45:40where developers want to build nine houses.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43They're going to be quite a challenge to visualise
0:45:43 > 0:45:45through this lot, isn't it?
0:45:45 > 0:45:48The plot is unused land at the end of people's gardens.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52There's a sett there and a sett there.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54That X marks a sett. These are outlier setts.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58This is the main sett. It's the main sett that will be kept.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00The land may be overgrown,
0:46:00 > 0:46:03but it's an ideal site for the family of badgers
0:46:03 > 0:46:06that make regular trips into their neighbours' gardens.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- They're going to close one of those two setts...- And keep them...?
0:46:09 > 0:46:12..and then reopen that one and this one remains open.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14- Are they legally able...? - So, this is the principal...
0:46:14 > 0:46:16Yes, absolutely. This is badger legislation.
0:46:16 > 0:46:21- OK.- Wildlife legislation.- I know. - A very, very strict procedure.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26We've got six members of the planning committee.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28- If you want to come through... - OK. Would you like to follow me?
0:46:28 > 0:46:31Roger Malvern and some of the other neighbours
0:46:31 > 0:46:33regularly feed the badgers.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36He's hoping videos of the badgers will persuade the councillors
0:46:36 > 0:46:38to veto the housing plans.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42Can I break ranks and ask what you feed them on?
0:46:42 > 0:46:45- Oh, just some birds nuts.- Ah. - We just throw out a few.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49Cos we threw out a few for the birds and along came the badgers!
0:46:50 > 0:46:53The planning officers support the scheme,
0:46:53 > 0:46:57but the final decision will be made by the 11 elected councillors.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00Well, I'm pleased that the setts are going to be protected
0:47:00 > 0:47:02and I'm sure the badgers are.
0:47:04 > 0:47:05I'm torn two ways.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08I have to say, it was so difficult to see anything there.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11at the moment, it's a natural wilderness
0:47:11 > 0:47:14and anything you do there is going to disturb the balance
0:47:14 > 0:47:16of the wildlife there.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21In all honesty, I'm heavily into animal protection
0:47:21 > 0:47:24first and foremost, but this is a planning application,
0:47:24 > 0:47:26so everything has to be taken into account.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31Opponents of the developers also claim
0:47:31 > 0:47:35the scheme will affect traffic and involve the loss of green space,
0:47:35 > 0:47:39but it's the badgers that are their main concern.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42Well, I've been doing as much research as I can
0:47:42 > 0:47:47in relation to which areas this application fails to satisfy,
0:47:47 > 0:47:49and it seems to me there are quite a few.
0:47:50 > 0:47:55I believe in justice and democracy and fairness.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57The council turned down an application,
0:47:57 > 0:48:00somewhat similar to this one, four years ago.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03I can see no reason why they shouldn't do it again.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14With a speech prepared, Peter will present his arguments
0:48:14 > 0:48:16to the members of the planning committee.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21They will have the final say on the development.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23Thank you, members.
0:48:23 > 0:48:28I ask Mr Peter Christensen to speak in objection.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30Does this thing turn on or...?
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- Just there.- Thank you. Is that better?
0:48:33 > 0:48:35You have three minutes, Mr Christensen.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38The plot has an active badger sett
0:48:38 > 0:48:41and the measures in the proposed plan for protecting badgers
0:48:41 > 0:48:43do not appear sufficient.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46There are many other species of wildlife present on the site,
0:48:46 > 0:48:48and also traffic, and health and safety,
0:48:48 > 0:48:50are further serious issues.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53We therefore urge the committee to refuse this application.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:48:56 > 0:49:02I'll now ask Mr Simon Firkins to speak in support of the application.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04Thank you, chairman, members.
0:49:04 > 0:49:09This proposal does not result in undue harm to on-site ecology,
0:49:09 > 0:49:11neighbouring amenity, highway safety,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13or the character of the locality.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15Much of the site is unkempt
0:49:15 > 0:49:18and it is good to make use of these sites within the town,
0:49:18 > 0:49:21rather than building on greenfield sites elsewhere.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24I'm afraid I can't see that there's any justifiable reason
0:49:24 > 0:49:25for refusing consent
0:49:25 > 0:49:27and I therefore ask you to support the recommendation
0:49:27 > 0:49:30and grant permission. Thank you for your time.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34Thank you very much. I'll ask Councillor McLain to address us.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38The local councillor has decided to speak against the development
0:49:38 > 0:49:42on the grounds that gardens should not be taken for housing.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45I mean, I've heard it just said
0:49:45 > 0:49:47that by permitting these garden-grab developments -
0:49:47 > 0:49:49this one in particular -
0:49:49 > 0:49:52we will somehow reduce the pressure of new housing numbers.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56I mean, that is simply, clearly, demonstrably, palpably rubbish.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59All it will guarantee is the sacrifice
0:49:59 > 0:50:02of our few remaining urban green heartlands.
0:50:02 > 0:50:07If this development goes ahead, it will be irrevocably lost.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11But before the vote, the meeting is postponed
0:50:11 > 0:50:14for more environmental impact reports.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17That is deferred to get further advice
0:50:17 > 0:50:19from the Environment Agency. Thank you.
0:50:23 > 0:50:24We may not like it,
0:50:24 > 0:50:27we may not think it's the best development in the world,
0:50:27 > 0:50:30but there's isn't a valid reason to turn it down, as I can see.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32The reports show no evidence of further harm,
0:50:32 > 0:50:35so when everyone returns, it's straight down to the vote.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37All those in favour of permit.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43That is unanimous. Thank you.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50The plans are passed unanimously.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53- Well done, Peter. Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55The gardens are gone.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57The badgers will lose some of their setts,
0:50:57 > 0:51:00but they will be protected in law.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03They didn't seem to be interested in the wildlife aspect at all.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06You know, we have very few green spaces,
0:51:06 > 0:51:10and just to ignore that seems, to me, quite shocking.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14I was happy that the badgers will coexist with the development.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18I think the ecological appraisal demonstrated that very clearly.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21I think that one has been resolved.
0:51:30 > 0:51:31When you turn round that corner,
0:51:31 > 0:51:34my God, it just looks as though there's a funeral.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36- Yeah, I just said that. - Yeah, just black.
0:51:38 > 0:51:43It's the day of judgment in Lach Dennis and Lostock Green.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46Well, we think we should give them a taste of what's to come for us.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48CAR HORN HONKS
0:51:48 > 0:51:50The villagers are dressing in black
0:51:50 > 0:51:52to attend the planning committee meeting
0:51:52 > 0:51:55that will decide whether to build a private crematorium
0:51:55 > 0:51:56in a nearby field.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59Thank you so much. Bless you for that.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Now we're on the way,
0:52:02 > 0:52:05I'd say more buoyed than we were in the last week.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08We just have to go with it and see what happens.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12If common sense prevails, it will be turned down.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19But as soon as they arrive at Winsford Council Chamber,
0:52:19 > 0:52:22they run into a problem.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26We were coming with a 57-seater bus with all our supporters
0:52:26 > 0:52:29who have supported us through thick and thin over the last six months
0:52:29 > 0:52:31and now we've just been told they can't go in.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35- We're told that there's only room for five.- Five people!
0:52:35 > 0:52:38Months and months of hard work has gone into this.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- Absolutely ridiculous. - We need to have the presence there
0:52:41 > 0:52:44to show the councillors what the support is.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46I am fizzing mad.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48With so many protesters,
0:52:48 > 0:52:52council staff change the order of the meeting and create enough room
0:52:52 > 0:52:54for the villagers to make their presence felt.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56So, she said, "Open the doors and come in."
0:52:56 > 0:52:58It's extremely difficult for local people.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00They very much want to convince
0:53:00 > 0:53:02that they are right
0:53:02 > 0:53:06and that decisions should be made according to their views.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10Judith has recommended the plans be approved,
0:53:10 > 0:53:13but the councillors have the power to go against her opinion.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19I think they feel that a committee may be more democratic
0:53:19 > 0:53:23because they have elected councillors to represent them,
0:53:23 > 0:53:24therefore, they feel that
0:53:24 > 0:53:26the councillors should take account of their views
0:53:26 > 0:53:29and that that should perhaps sometimes override
0:53:29 > 0:53:33the objectiveness of planning policy.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35I welcome you all to this meeting of
0:53:35 > 0:53:39the Cheshire West and Chester Strategic Planning Committee.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42First, the objectors get their chance.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46The planning officer's report suggests this development
0:53:46 > 0:53:49will not cause unacceptable harm.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53By definition, this means it will cause acceptable harm.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57How can anyone truly judge what is acceptable harm,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00other than the village residents themselves?
0:54:00 > 0:54:03We are not against change in our locality,
0:54:03 > 0:54:07but it has to be change for the benefit of the local community,
0:54:07 > 0:54:10rather than an out-of-area developer.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13This is about a development
0:54:13 > 0:54:17to which most residents strongly object.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20We hope that you agree with us and reject this application.
0:54:20 > 0:54:25- Thank you for listening. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28Next, it's the turn of developers Memoria.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32They've spent over £100,000 on the application.
0:54:32 > 0:54:33Past experience has taught us
0:54:33 > 0:54:35that this level of opposition is not uncommon,
0:54:35 > 0:54:39given the perception of crematoria development in this country.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41However, in all of our previous applications,
0:54:41 > 0:54:43if we've been given the right to go ahead,
0:54:43 > 0:54:47we've never received one letter of objection from the local community.
0:54:47 > 0:54:48Quite the opposite, in fact.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50With our beautiful gardens and landscaping,
0:54:50 > 0:54:53we've found that we've become a source of pride for the local area.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55There'll be no smoke, no smell,
0:54:55 > 0:55:00and the visual impact with the landscaping plan will be minimal,
0:55:00 > 0:55:02but the benefit to the wider community will be significant.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:55:04 > 0:55:09Right, I open it up to debate from committee members.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12Now it's down to the councillors to make up their minds.
0:55:12 > 0:55:13Thank you, chairman.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15They need to balance the planners' recommendation
0:55:15 > 0:55:18with the views of the villagers.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21It's a very emotive and emotional issue, this,
0:55:21 > 0:55:24because it's people's lives and it's people's villages.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27To be honest, I've looked really carefully at this application
0:55:27 > 0:55:32and I can't find a really good planning reason
0:55:32 > 0:55:34for rejecting this application, chairman.
0:55:34 > 0:55:35I'll just rest my case at that.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40There are not sufficient good reasons
0:55:40 > 0:55:45to overturn policy and lose good agricultural land.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49This is not a service that can only be met at that site,
0:55:49 > 0:55:53therefore I move that we refuse this application. Thank you.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56- I'll second that. - APPLAUSE
0:56:00 > 0:56:01After an hour's debate,
0:56:01 > 0:56:05the councillors vote on a proposal to refuse the application,
0:56:05 > 0:56:08on the grounds that it's inappropriate on agricultural land.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Right, it's been proposed and seconded
0:56:11 > 0:56:14that this application be refused.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16All those in favour, please show.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21Any against?
0:56:22 > 0:56:24Two. Seven-two.
0:56:24 > 0:56:28So, the application is refused for the reason...
0:56:28 > 0:56:31CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:56:38 > 0:56:40Yes! People power!
0:56:40 > 0:56:45That's what it's all about - people power. Fantastic!
0:56:47 > 0:56:50It's disappointing. Very disappointing.
0:56:50 > 0:56:54We, obviously, on the back of a very strong planning report,
0:56:54 > 0:56:57were expecting for the committee to support that.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00We will have to have another look,
0:57:00 > 0:57:02and if that leads us to an appeal,
0:57:02 > 0:57:04then we will have to go down that road.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06That was the best outcome ever.
0:57:06 > 0:57:09And I know there'll probably be an appeal,
0:57:09 > 0:57:10but we'll be ready for them.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13I thought the right decision was made on this occasion.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16I think the access is not very good
0:57:16 > 0:57:19and I think they need to come back with some modifications
0:57:19 > 0:57:21to the planning application.
0:57:23 > 0:57:27News of the victory soon reaches the village.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32That's like Crewe versus Manchester United, isn't it?
0:57:32 > 0:57:35Crewe win seven-two.
0:57:36 > 0:57:39If you want to influence the council,
0:57:39 > 0:57:42- dress up in black. - HE CHUCKLES
0:57:47 > 0:57:49Hedgehog, flat.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56Next time on The Planners...
0:57:56 > 0:57:59The first one will be in this field. It starts there and it runs
0:57:59 > 0:58:01in a straight line of four parallel to the railway line.
0:58:01 > 0:58:05..a former New Age traveller's dream for a greener future
0:58:05 > 0:58:07is a castle-owner's nightmare...
0:58:07 > 0:58:10I wake up in the night, screaming my head off,
0:58:10 > 0:58:12and my wife says, "What's the matter?"
0:58:12 > 0:58:14"Wind turbines!" I say.
0:58:14 > 0:58:16..double the trouble for the businessman
0:58:16 > 0:58:18who wants to extend his cafe...
0:58:18 > 0:58:23We think they've chosen to lose the plot.
0:58:23 > 0:58:28..and a stairway to nowhere leaves these homeowners frustrated.
0:58:28 > 0:58:34- The builders advertised it as gently sloping rear gardens, yeah?- Yeah.