0:00:02 > 0:00:07Britain is a green and pleasant land - but for how long?
0:00:07 > 0:00:12We're now getting to a situation where any site's worth putting a planning application in for.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16After the biggest shake-up of the planning system in 40 years, the
0:00:16 > 0:00:18race is on to get Britain building.
0:00:18 > 0:00:23If I have a house here, I'm thinking about building a sort of Berlin Wall.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25It's got to be at least six feet high.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27So constructors are making plans.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Whoever designed that needs to be shot.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Objectors are making noises.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36I've had e-bloody-nough of it with what we've got in this town for councillors
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- and the load of- BLEEP - they're putting up.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40And neighbours are going to war.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44We always won our battles as a family, and we'll win this one.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49In the firing line, shaping the country of the future, are Britain's planners.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Nothing happens in the hall, yeah?
0:00:51 > 0:00:52No? Yes? No? Yes?
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Thank you for letting us visit. And we'll see you on Thursday.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Another British planning cock-up, really.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Over the last two decades, wind farms have
0:01:14 > 0:01:17appeared on the landscape with increasing frequency, as a
0:01:17 > 0:01:24result of the Government's drive to hit renewable energy targets.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26With subsidies available to developers,
0:01:26 > 0:01:32applications go to the planners wherever the wind blows.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35OK. Here we are.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39And in Berkeley Vale in Gloucestershire, former New Age traveller Dale Vince
0:01:39 > 0:01:43has applied for permission to build the county's first wind farm.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51Of any given part of Britain, you find very few places where wind turbines can actually work.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56Because there are so many constraints on windmills, it just rules out most of the land.
0:01:59 > 0:02:05At 120 metres, the proposed turbines will stand taller than Big Ben.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08The first one will be in this field. It starts there,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12and it runs in a straight line of four, parallel to the railway line.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15They're very graceful, elegant structures.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19They coast around in the wind. They're actually wonderful
0:02:19 > 0:02:26pieces of engineering, and almost pieces of art in the countryside.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29But applications to build wind turbines are often
0:02:29 > 0:02:33met by fierce local opposition, and it's the planners who get
0:02:33 > 0:02:37caught in the middle of disputes that can last for years.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41These applications are really contentious when they come in.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44To some extent, I think my team think I'm picking on them
0:02:44 > 0:02:48if I ask them to do one, you know, who's been the bad boy this week
0:02:48 > 0:02:53gets the next wind turbine application.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56I think to some extent what you've got to look at is beauty
0:02:56 > 0:02:59is in the eye of the beholder. To some people, this is new
0:02:59 > 0:03:03technology and new architecture, but to some other people the fact
0:03:03 > 0:03:09that they rotate distracts the eye and takes away from the natural beauty,
0:03:09 > 0:03:15and it depends on which direction you come from as to whether or not they're beautiful or hideous.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Applicant Dale Vince started his turbine business after
0:03:20 > 0:03:25living in a caravan which he powered with a mini turbine.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Since then, business has boomed,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30and his company is now the UK's biggest alternative energy
0:03:30 > 0:03:36supplier, with a turnover of more than £46 million a year.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42Dale Vince is a bit of a local legend. He's self-made,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46he's taken over quite a lot of employment in the area,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49his main headquarters are here. He's probably one of the largest
0:03:49 > 0:03:52employers in the area, so the community do know him.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56To say things about Dale, people know who Dale is.
0:03:56 > 0:04:02It's getting to be Madonna territory, where he's known by one name.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Dale's application to build Gloucestershire's first wind
0:04:05 > 0:04:08farm has been in the system for two years.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Rejected at first, Dale has now launched an appeal.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16If he wins, the turbines will be built less than a mile
0:04:16 > 0:04:19away from the village of Stinchcombe.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Now the residents have formed a campaign group to keep Dale
0:04:23 > 0:04:26out of the Vale.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29It was claimed by Ecotricity and Dale Vince
0:04:29 > 0:04:32that they had done a survey and they had found
0:04:32 > 0:04:34that two thirds of people
0:04:34 > 0:04:36in the area were quite happy about
0:04:36 > 0:04:39turbines and would be perfectly happy to have them near them.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43So we wanted to demonstrate straight away, "Look, we're
0:04:43 > 0:04:47"a village of 300 people. These people are prepared to turn out and to just demonstrate,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51"hang on - you've got it wrong. This local community
0:04:51 > 0:04:59"does not want two turbines, although you're trying to claim that two thirds of people do."
0:04:59 > 0:05:04News of the appeal has spread further than Stinchcombe village hall.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Leading the protests against the wind farm...
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Morning.
0:05:08 > 0:05:15..is a man whose family have lived in the Vale for 900 years - Mr Berkeley of Berkeley Castle.
0:05:15 > 0:05:2212th century, the castle. This is the oldest part, built in 1117.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26The castle is the oldest in England to be continuously owned
0:05:26 > 0:05:29and occupied by the same family.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33We'll keep going up.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Now a tourist attraction, it has played host to numerous battles,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41and was the site where King Edward II met his end.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45That's my wife with her dear hound.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47I wake up in the night screaming my head off,
0:05:47 > 0:05:54and my wife says, "What's the matter?" "Wind turbines," I say!
0:05:54 > 0:06:00That nearest hill on the escarpment is Stinchcombe Hill,
0:06:00 > 0:06:05and these wind turbines will be just this side,
0:06:05 > 0:06:10about half a mile from here, 350 feet high, four of them,
0:06:10 > 0:06:17and they'll show up like sore thumbs from here, of course.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22I think it's our duty to try and prevent them from coming,
0:06:22 > 0:06:27and if they do come, you can be quite certain, the applications will pour in for more,
0:06:27 > 0:06:33more and more and more, and this Vale will end up a moonscape,
0:06:33 > 0:06:40nothing but whirling dervishes, as I call them, all down this vale.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The turbines will be considered at the highest level of appeal -
0:06:43 > 0:06:45a public inquiry.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48The planning inspector is due to come to the area soon,
0:06:48 > 0:06:53and he has agreed to visit Berkeley Castle before he makes his decision.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58People living in this vale come here because of its beauty and quietness.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03It's an oasis, and if one can use one little
0:07:03 > 0:07:08bit of influence one's got to prevent these things happening, so be it.
0:07:16 > 0:07:24Every year, planners deal with over 200,000 applications for home improvements.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27In Winsford in Cheshire, Steve and Juliette Yates
0:07:27 > 0:07:31are in the process of settling into their new home.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33There wasn't a great deal that needed doing.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37It's not like it needs extending or anything.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39We just like the space, you know.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41And I like this big lounge,
0:07:41 > 0:07:47front to back, plenty of space for all the family.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50The couple traded in a small two-bedroom cottage for this
0:07:50 > 0:07:54detached townhouse at the end of the cul-de-sac.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58We paid 195,000 for it, for five beds.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Sizable rooms and all.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- Yeah, all the bedrooms are sort of double bedrooms.- Yeah.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07The couple knew they had a bargain,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11but there was one major drawback.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14This is why it was so cheap.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17The garden gets plenty of sun,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21but a large part of it is at the top of a 20-foot cliff.
0:08:21 > 0:08:28- Apparently, the builders advertised it as "gently sloping rear gardens", yeah?- Yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33The previous owners bought the house off plan and received
0:08:33 > 0:08:38compensation when they discovered the true nature of "gently sloping".
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Steve and Juliette weren't put off when they viewed.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43They had a solution.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48Me being the builder I am, I set to work and I built the staircase.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51We like to have barbecues, we like to have parties,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and I just want to attack this and get it done and make it neat.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00Joiner Steve has completed half of the two-flight staircase to
0:09:00 > 0:09:02connect the house to the upper garden.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06But he's had to down tools.
0:09:06 > 0:09:12We had a letter from the local borough, telling us to stop work.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16We've been told, because of the height of the structure,
0:09:16 > 0:09:21we need to go down the planning route.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22On this new estate,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25the original planning permission made it clear that any
0:09:25 > 0:09:30structures around the houses would need separate permissions.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Planner Phil Davis is considering the Yateses' staircase.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37With this particular development, everything that people
0:09:37 > 0:09:40do on these properties now requires planning permission.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44That comes from small extensions, even the
0:09:44 > 0:09:47hardstandings on the properties. Any additional ones, those
0:09:47 > 0:09:51also require planning permission. So they're quite restricted, really.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Hi, Mr Yates.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- We'll take a few photographs and see the impact of it...- Be my guest.
0:09:57 > 0:10:03..on your neighbours, and then I'll be gone. All right, then? Thank you.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08Phil needs to see if the staircase is overlooking any of the neighbours.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13I'm not asking for an extension. I'm just trying to get the place tidied up.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15This would have been done now.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19You cannot see into the neighbour's dwelling, which is the main thing.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Had it been a situation whereby you could get clear views
0:10:22 > 0:10:25into the kitchen and lounges and bedrooms,
0:10:25 > 0:10:29well then, realistically, this would be a problem then.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Whoa! Got me at the end.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40The next stage is for letters to be sent out to
0:10:40 > 0:10:45everyone in the close to see if they have any objections.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46If we don't get planning permission,
0:10:46 > 0:10:51I just need to go back to the council and ask them what can
0:10:51 > 0:10:57they suggest for me to be able to tend my garden to make it look nice.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02I'm hoping it's going to be OK. Obviously, the neighbours may
0:11:02 > 0:11:06have their concerns about it. We've got quite a long way to go yet, yeah, yeah.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24As towns and cities grow, the surrounding agricultural land
0:11:24 > 0:11:28becomes a prized target for developers.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35On the edge of Cheltenham, tenant farmer Peter Newth rents Starvehall Farm,
0:11:35 > 0:11:42a 30-acre plot which he uses to graze his herd of Dexter cattle.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Come on, then!
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Come on, then!
0:11:47 > 0:11:49There's two calves born this week.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51They don't mind the weather.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56They don't eat a lot of feed, they're quite a natural grazer,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and that all ends up in the beef,
0:11:59 > 0:12:03which you can actually taste the flavours in.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05The farm is surrounded by housing,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08and is an obvious site for developers.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11If planning permission is given for building,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15the value of farmers' fields can increase tenfold.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17The lie of the land is changing.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20I used to work for an abattoir called FMC in Cheltenham.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22That used to keep me in quite a bit of work,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25and Gloucester Market used to keep me in a bit of work,
0:12:25 > 0:12:32but now FMC is Waitrose, and Gloucester Market's B&Q.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35The nation's planners are under pressure to permit enough new
0:12:35 > 0:12:40housing to cope with a growing population.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42If they don't hit their target for new homes,
0:12:42 > 0:12:47developers can push for more land to be released for building.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57We have very little land that's available for development.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00If you look at the map of Cheltenham, it's pretty well
0:13:00 > 0:13:04full of either developed land or commitments.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09So a site like Starvehall Farm does stand out as being the next
0:13:09 > 0:13:10site to look at.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17The land at Starvehall Farm is one of the largest remaining green field
0:13:17 > 0:13:19sites in Cheltenham.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Gloucestershire County Council own the land,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25and following budget cuts, they plan to sell the whole site.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28It will be up to the planners who work independently
0:13:28 > 0:13:33at Cheltenham Borough Council to decide whether or not the land is suitable for development.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38When I first came to Cheltenham, I came across Starvehall Farm and I thought how unusual it was
0:13:38 > 0:13:43to find a farm in a suburb of a town like this - it was quite remarkable.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47It's a long-term survival from the time when the County Council
0:13:47 > 0:13:53invested in farmland and let it to tenants, I think probably
0:13:53 > 0:13:58early in the 20th century, and it just hasn't been developed.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Despite local opposition,
0:14:00 > 0:14:04the County Council have instructed a team of architects to design
0:14:04 > 0:14:07a housing estate to be built at Starvehall Farm.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10If the planners allow the development,
0:14:10 > 0:14:16the architects estimate the land would be worth £50 million.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22This drawing shows a master plan for the site, for Cheltenham.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25380 separate dwellings is a large scheme,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29we haven't had anything of that size for some years.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32The scheme has already attracted hundreds of objections from
0:14:32 > 0:14:37local residents, who don't want to see the green fields concreted over.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41I can't imagine that you could allocate places in Cheltenham
0:14:41 > 0:14:44where it could expand without having people saying,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48"Well, we don't think that's the right place - put it somewhere else."
0:14:48 > 0:14:52The farmer's submitted an objection, he objects to the loss of his farm.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Obviously, it's his livelihood, he is actively farming it at the
0:14:55 > 0:15:00moment. That's a consideration, it will go into the balance.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04We feel as planning officers that this is a suitable site for housing.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06It's also a suitable site for farming,
0:15:06 > 0:15:12but housing is rising above farming in terms of priority.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Whilst Rob believes the site to be suitable for building,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18he will not make the final decision.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21He has to put his recommendation to the planning committee,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24made up of local councillors.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28One of the longest-serving members is Barbara Driver.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34That was when I was mayor, and I did, in the arcade in town, I did
0:15:34 > 0:15:40a Cheltenham's top talent for my Mayor's charities, and we hired a Del Boy lookalike,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44and he wanted to swap one of his watches for the Mayor's chain.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Sitting on the planning committee is a more serious business.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52With land in such low supply in Cheltenham, there is pressure
0:15:52 > 0:15:57to approve unpopular applications in order to hit housing targets.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Cheltenham last year grew by 5,500 people.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04They've got to live somewhere.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07I don't want to see building on the green belt,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09but where are we going to put people?
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Where are they going to live?
0:16:12 > 0:16:17You've got to balance it between what we all like at the moment
0:16:17 > 0:16:20and what the world is coming to.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24If Barbara and her colleagues allow the housing estate
0:16:24 > 0:16:29when they meet in a few weeks' time, then tenant farmer Pete won't
0:16:29 > 0:16:33just lose his land, he'll lose his home too.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39It's my livelihood, it's 40 years of my life, so I'd be sad to see it go.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41I feel very vulnerable now,
0:16:41 > 0:16:46not knowing where I'm going to be this time next year.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00In the Berkeley Vale in Gloucestershire, the proposal
0:17:00 > 0:17:05to erect four wind turbines has been stalled by local opposition.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08It's not the first time that residents have fought this battle -
0:17:08 > 0:17:12the initial application was turned down two years ago,
0:17:12 > 0:17:18but now green energy developer Dale Vince has appealed.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Planner Phil Skill has to compile a report
0:17:21 > 0:17:25and refer the case to the planning inspector.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27This is one of the views that is going to be
0:17:27 > 0:17:30critical for the enquiry and the inspector.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32He's looking at the views here
0:17:32 > 0:17:34and across the estuary.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35Morning, gentlemen.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Hi.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Enjoying the view?- Yes.- Good.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47As you can see, it's looking out over the Forest of Dean and Wales in the far distance.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50And that's what the inspector's being asked to look at to see whether or not
0:17:50 > 0:17:56he believes that is harmful to the AONB, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:17:56 > 0:18:02which we are stood in, but the wind turbines are just outside of.
0:18:02 > 0:18:08The application is of particular concern to wind farm objectors Russ and Jill Holloway,
0:18:08 > 0:18:13who live just half a mile from the proposed wind farm site.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15The setting sun would be going down
0:18:15 > 0:18:18immediately behind these turbines.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23If they're moving - setting sun, flicker -
0:18:23 > 0:18:30it's just going to destroy all the beauty of those sunsets.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Anybody with a slight mental instability -
0:18:32 > 0:18:35my family claim I'm going that way -
0:18:35 > 0:18:40I feel I could well be one of the first to be affected by the flicker.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Since learning about the appeal,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45their campaign group have raised more than £10,000
0:18:45 > 0:18:48to pay for a lawyer to take on the turbines.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51We'll certainly fight this to the end. We're not going to give up now.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54We'll just carry on until we win.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59With the planning inspector due to visit the area in just
0:18:59 > 0:19:01a week's time, Russ and Jill's anti-wind farm
0:19:01 > 0:19:05group are preparing for battle.
0:19:05 > 0:19:12Dale can afford a team of specialist lawyers to work on his behalf,
0:19:12 > 0:19:18so he's putting some of his energies into his very own football club.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Whilst Abramovich bankrolls Chelsea through gas and oil,
0:19:21 > 0:19:25alternative energy has paid for Forest Green Rovers,
0:19:25 > 0:19:29and what could be the world's first organic pitch.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32After nearly 20 years of trying to build windmills
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and having those same old tired arguments
0:19:35 > 0:19:37over and over again, it's been fantastic
0:19:37 > 0:19:42to be involved in something so completely different. It's like the old adage,
0:19:42 > 0:19:47a change is as good as a rest. This has been a big change and a big rest.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52As the wind farm proposal is at the appeal stage, the inspector will
0:19:52 > 0:19:56have the final say as to whether Dale's turbines can be built.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00The objectors are preparing for his arrival.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Andy and I and Jill have been round the route a couple of times
0:20:04 > 0:20:09seeing everybody and getting their permission to come onto their land, and if they're not
0:20:09 > 0:20:14going to be there, whether it will still be OK, and some of them positively wanted to really
0:20:14 > 0:20:20say something to the inspector. I'm not sure whether they can or not, but he probably won't want to hear
0:20:20 > 0:20:25what they want to say, but he might have a job to stop some of them.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27If the inspector allows the wind farm,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31then the electricity generated could make millions for Dale.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34So he's invested a lot in the appeal.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37I think we probably spent a couple of hundred thousand pounds
0:20:37 > 0:20:39in the run up to the appeal,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43and I imagine the appeal is costing 100, £150,000, something like that.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49It's not cheap, it's not quick, um...but there it is.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52We're very confident that it's a good place to do it,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56that it will stand any scrutiny in terms of its potential impact on its neighbours,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59and very strongly, if the views are that
0:20:59 > 0:21:01if we can't build the wind turbines here at Berkeley Vale,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04there isn't anywhere in Gloucestershire where we could build them.
0:21:04 > 0:21:12As far as I'm aware, there's only two or three households that are not with us on this one.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Mr Vince wants to be a good neighbour to us all,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19and if he's not a good neighbour, he'll walk away.
0:21:19 > 0:21:26But he can see there's a lot of good neighbours here who would like him to walk away.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30It's not uncommon for people who are against wind energy to -
0:21:30 > 0:21:34using a football metaphor - play the man and not the ball.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36The ball is the issue -
0:21:36 > 0:21:38does wind energy work? Do we need it? Is climate change real?
0:21:38 > 0:21:42The man is Ecotricity or me, so people will say, "Yeah, they're only in it for the money,"
0:21:42 > 0:21:46and this, that and the other. That's playing the man, not the ball.
0:21:46 > 0:21:53He's a very clever marketeer and he's putting forward the green credentials.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58But there is a lot of money in wind turbines.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02The arguments will be played out in front of the inspector,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06who will decide the fate of the wind farm.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22In Winsford in Cheshire, the staircase that could connect
0:22:22 > 0:22:29Steve and Juliette Yates' house with their elevated garden is on hold.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Tools are on the floor there, waiting.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- 21st of August.- When it happens.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Sheds and other structures need planning
0:22:38 > 0:22:43permission on the estate, which is built in a former quarry.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48"Installation of stairway, rear access." Ah! Public comments.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Oh, here we go.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Neighbours have had a chance to see the plans online,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59and some of them aren't happy.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02There was a couple of guys up there, I think, and then suddenly, that appeared,
0:23:02 > 0:23:08and with our neighbours, we decided we'd actually put in a objection.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11You know, if they grant permission on that,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13it'll be setting a precedent for the site.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18All sorts of structures could appear around the perimeter of this quarry.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20I'm sure the council will ask them
0:23:20 > 0:23:24to take it down. I think there'll be an enforcement order on that.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29"I asked the council to have the structures removed immediately.
0:23:29 > 0:23:35"Aesthetic look of the whole road, it's my back garden."
0:23:35 > 0:23:41David knows all too well what is and isn't allowed on the estate.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44When he bought his house, there was an unauthorised
0:23:44 > 0:23:46wall in the back garden.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50The wall was that high, right the way along here.
0:23:50 > 0:23:56I knew there was an enforcement order on the property when I bought it and we had to take the wall down.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01You have to be careful with your structures here.
0:24:01 > 0:24:08Silly...just...yeah, pen to paper. Nothing better to do.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Two other neighbours have also written to planner Phil Davis
0:24:11 > 0:24:13objecting to the plans.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16But their opinions won't necessarily be a reason for the stairs to
0:24:16 > 0:24:19be taken down.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24If one person writes in with a very valid concern and we believe that
0:24:24 > 0:24:29to be an unacceptable compromise, we would refuse the application.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33If 100 people or 1,000 people wrote in with reasons
0:24:33 > 0:24:36that were not real valid concerns in a planning application, then that
0:24:36 > 0:24:38application would still get approved.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41It's not really the volume that matters.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45If we believe a property is compromised by what someone
0:24:45 > 0:24:49is going to do, and we thought that compromise was unacceptable,
0:24:49 > 0:24:55we would still refuse it even if no-one wrote in about it.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59The Yateses' planning application has so far cost them £300,
0:24:59 > 0:25:05and three months without access to their elevated garden.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Phil has now made his decision.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14"Grants permission for the above development to be carried out."
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Oh, that's good.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Brilliant!
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Party!
0:25:20 > 0:25:23The planners have ruled the stairs won't mean the neighbours
0:25:23 > 0:25:24lose their privacy.
0:25:24 > 0:25:30All that's been approved up there is just that staircase. I mean, if, in the future, they were
0:25:30 > 0:25:36to come back wanting sheds, decking, or other structures up there,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39they would have to apply for planning permission for those.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44The Yateses will finally be able to complete their stairs and reach the garden.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47They've complained, I've gone through the planning permission
0:25:47 > 0:25:50and the decision's now been made, so...
0:25:50 > 0:25:53And I win, that's all I can say - I win.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Yeah. I'll sharpen my chisels! - SHE LAUGHS
0:26:07 > 0:26:10When buildings are used for both commercial
0:26:10 > 0:26:13and residential purposes, it falls to the planners to strike a balance
0:26:13 > 0:26:18between protecting the residents, and allowing business to thrive.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23In Portobello, near Edinburgh, the promenade's newest block is home
0:26:23 > 0:26:28to nine modern apartments, and just one business, the Beach House Cafe.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32We came into this business
0:26:32 > 0:26:34not having a clue about what we were doing,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36never having done anything like it before,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38and this is the result.
0:26:39 > 0:26:45We have returning customers, which is the best kind of customer. They like the coffee, they like the food.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Our heart and soul is in the cafe
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and we put everything we can to make it right.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Now Jonathan has bought the flat next door,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57as he plans to extend his cafe.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03There is potential to increase our turnover, quite significantly.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07There are an awful lot of people here and we feel we can do a better job
0:27:07 > 0:27:13if we've got a bigger cafe, more staff, more equipment and everything else.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19It will be up to planner Paul Devaney to assess
0:27:19 > 0:27:23whether the cafe's expansion plans are acceptable.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27The blue line shows the existing extent of the premises
0:27:27 > 0:27:32in terms of the covers, the servery area and the toilet facilities.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35The proposal would involve knocking through into this area
0:27:35 > 0:27:37which is outlined in red,
0:27:37 > 0:27:41which is round the existing flat which would be incorporated in,
0:27:41 > 0:27:43to form an extended area,
0:27:43 > 0:27:46and that would give additional seating, as we can see here.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51It's pretty much doubling the footprint of the existing cafe.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55The planners have to judge the impact that the expansion
0:27:55 > 0:27:59will have on the other residents in the block, and above the cafe,
0:27:59 > 0:28:04the modern apartments are home to some very house-proud residents.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Edinburgh has many, many flats of this size that we could have
0:28:08 > 0:28:11moved to, but they don't have a view like this.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16It's definitely a million-pound view, I think, that you never tire of.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- Well, this is Helen. - And that's Morna.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23We sometimes give people a terrible shock,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25because they don't know there's two of us.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26We don't always dress alike
0:28:26 > 0:28:29but if we happen to like the same thing, we buy it.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Might be a different colour of the same style,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35but if we like it, we buy it.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38All the residents have received copies of the cafe's proposal, and
0:28:38 > 0:28:43the Mulgary twins are particularly concerned about the plans.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47We were imagining it was going to be a bigger cafe as it stands now,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50same sort of thing. Exactly the same sort of thing.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54But when you look at the plans, we see something different.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58As the cafe is in a residential block,
0:28:58 > 0:29:00they can only offer a limited range of food,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04because smells from cooking could disturb their neighbours.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07The restriction means they can't take full advantage
0:29:07 > 0:29:10of their prime location on the promenade,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14but to cook their own food, they'll need a ventilation system.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18This element of the proposal involves the formation of two
0:29:18 > 0:29:24stainless steel flues, which will run up this end elevation of the building
0:29:24 > 0:29:30and go through the parapet, so that they're about 900 mill above the roof level.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Unless the cafe is allowed to expand
0:29:32 > 0:29:36and start cooking their own food, their business can't grow.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39But all the residents in the block have objected to their plan,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43and leading the protests are the Mulgary twins.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Portobello is a conservation area,
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- and this building is sort of 21st century.- 22nd century!
0:29:49 > 0:29:54Not 19th century! And the feature of it is that it has no pipes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Given the number of objections, where there are more than six,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02it means the matter will now have to be referred to a committee.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08'We're worried, because this chimney thing is going to be within
0:30:08 > 0:30:11'18 inches of the bedroom windows.'
0:30:11 > 0:30:15After studying the application, the twins have used silver foil
0:30:15 > 0:30:19and their craft skills to show the position of the proposed flues.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21I don't think this is quite to scale.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23It might be a little bit broader.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28Our building is going to be definitely spoiled by this thing
0:30:28 > 0:30:34that is going to suddenly appear like some wart on a beautiful face.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45In Cheltenham, the planners have received an application to develop
0:30:45 > 0:30:49the town's last remaining farm into a new housing estate.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Peter Newth has lived at Starvehall Farm for almost 40 years,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01but since the planning application went in,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03he's had to start looking for a new home.
0:31:03 > 0:31:08These are only about three weeks old, they're still on the milk.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14The county council have no obligation to find him
0:31:14 > 0:31:17alternative farmland, but fortunately,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20they do have one other farm that is currently available.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26So it's 88 acres of mainly pasture,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29but it is advertised as a mixed farm.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35I've got to do something now to sort of make things happen.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39If I don't do anything, I don't think anything is going to happen.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42It'll just be, end of the lease, goodbye.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50The proposed housing estate is so large that it wouldn't just
0:31:50 > 0:31:54take up the land at Starvehall Farm, it would also mean building on
0:31:54 > 0:31:57part of the adjoining recreation ground, much to the dismay
0:31:57 > 0:31:59of the local dog walkers.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02He's Tokky, he's seven years old,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05and he's Zeus, King of the Gods.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08And he's six months old.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13Of course they love coming over here playing, and there's regular people.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Some go round in a group, it almost looks like Crufts sometimes.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- This is Monty.- And this is his favourite field.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22We know when there's a new dog in the field.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25We've used it daily, but now we're going to lose all that,
0:32:25 > 0:32:28should the permission be granted.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31We are short of areas like this to just let the dogs
0:32:31 > 0:32:34run around, and it is nice to have it on your doorstep.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37So it would be a shame to build on here, really.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40The proposal to build on the recreation ground next
0:32:40 > 0:32:42to the farm has riled local residents,
0:32:42 > 0:32:47and more than 500 people have lodged their objections with the planners.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Taking on their fight is local councillor, Dave Prince.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55Local residents know, and I, as their local representative,
0:32:55 > 0:32:56we need houses.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59The area needs houses, the town needs houses.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01So I'm not in the camp that, "We don't want development."
0:33:01 > 0:33:04While Dave is fighting for the recreation ground,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06he accepts the farm may go.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Pete, unfortunately, will lose his farm
0:33:10 > 0:33:14if Starvehall Farm is built on. We sympathise with him, and you can
0:33:14 > 0:33:16see now, he's got horses in his field.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Unfortunately, there will be casualties along the way.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22What we've got to do is to minimise these casualties.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26And we don't want this built on. To us, that would be the casualty.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30It doesn't build itself, green, open space, it's here.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32You build on it, it's gone.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Everywhere is open, the only thing I would say,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40when you go into the workshop, at the end, if you use the side door.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43The front doors are locked. But go have a mooch and come back with any questions.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Thank you.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50On the other side of the county, Pete is assessing the new farm,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52to see if it would be suitable for his animals.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58I see a considerably good sized field. I think this is the boundary.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02There's a map here, isn't there?
0:34:02 > 0:34:05With a shortage of agricultural land available to tenants,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Pete is not the only one interested.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14More than 50 other farmers have come to look around. The farm will
0:34:14 > 0:34:17go to the applicant who scores highest on the council's list
0:34:17 > 0:34:23of criteria, and 52-year-old Pete is not confident about his chances.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32I'll probably score very low on the points thing, cos of my age
0:34:32 > 0:34:37and my lack of agricultural education through colleges.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42I've never been to agricultural college because my father taught me
0:34:42 > 0:34:46all I need to know about farming. It's in your blood, basically.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51But it's got to be done fairly, and if there's a 30-year-old that's
0:34:51 > 0:34:55put a lot of work and time and effort into it, and I come along,
0:34:55 > 0:34:59if I was on the judging panels, I wouldn't give it to a 52-year-old
0:34:59 > 0:35:01over a 30-year-old.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08But something will turn up, I'm sure of it. Something will happen.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15The application for the housing estate will be considered
0:35:15 > 0:35:18by the planning committee in a few days' time.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Ahead of the meeting, head planner Rob Lindsey has to publish
0:35:21 > 0:35:24his team's recommendation.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28The officers are happy with the application as it stands,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30and that's why we're recommending approval.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34There are hundreds of objections to the scheme on all sorts
0:35:34 > 0:35:36of different subjects.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40It has stirred the emotions of the local community,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44and what has stirred it more than most is that they're being ignored.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49By putting these invitations through people's letter boxes,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51it is hoped to galvanise the local community,
0:35:51 > 0:35:55not as they need much galvanising, because the local residents
0:35:55 > 0:35:58are all concerned about what is going to happen.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00And I'm sure on the day of the planning committee,
0:36:00 > 0:36:02we'll have a good attendance there.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04It will be a lively debate, I think.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08We've had cases in the past where there's been cheering and booing
0:36:08 > 0:36:11and placards being waved in the public gallery.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12So, it could be lively.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18What we hope from filling the chamber with local residents
0:36:18 > 0:36:21is that it may well put a little bit of pressure on some
0:36:21 > 0:36:26of the planning committee members to think long and hard
0:36:26 > 0:36:27about the way that they're voting,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and they're not just voting with the officer's recommendation.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34The committee will meet in a few days' time,
0:36:34 > 0:36:38to determine the application for the biggest new housing development
0:36:38 > 0:36:41to hit Cheltenham for more than a decade.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50In the Berkeley Vale, the fate of Gloucestershire's first wind farm
0:36:50 > 0:36:55is now in the hands of one man - planning inspector, Richard Thomas.
0:36:55 > 0:37:01Now, those houses down there are very similar, but I don't suggest
0:37:01 > 0:37:04that we go down there, but we have arranged for you to view from here.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Local councillors rejected the application to erect
0:37:08 > 0:37:09the turbines two years ago,
0:37:09 > 0:37:13but the inspector has the power to overturn their decision.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Today, he will view the proposed site from dozens of different
0:37:18 > 0:37:21locations, but whilst they're out and about,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24no-one is allowed to lobby the inspector.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28I'm here just to look.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31If there's anything particular you want me to look at...
0:37:31 > 0:37:32It's best to walk to the bottom...
0:37:32 > 0:37:38Can I just ask you not to make any particular remarks in terms of
0:37:38 > 0:37:42positive or negative, that's for the inquiry. I'm just here
0:37:42 > 0:37:45to look today. If there's anything you want me to look at
0:37:45 > 0:37:47in particular, please do so.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51The tour of the area has been organised by the anti-wind farm group,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54but as the process has to be impartial, representatives
0:37:54 > 0:37:57from Dale's company, the council
0:37:57 > 0:38:00and the Campaign to Protect Rural England have all come along
0:38:00 > 0:38:02to make sure there's no lobbying.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07The point is, Inspector, you're looking up. The turbine tops
0:38:07 > 0:38:09are higher than where we are now.
0:38:09 > 0:38:10They tend to be recessive...
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- You're beginning to give evidence. - Yeah.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- Well, it's not evidence... - Point made, then.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20If there's anything you want me to look at in particular,
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- otherwise...- Just the general vista and how it will be spoiled
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- by the turbines, basically.- Right.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30I think they sort of run parallel along the side of our property...
0:38:30 > 0:38:32It's difficult to see, isn't it?
0:38:37 > 0:38:39I'm trying to get an indication of the impact
0:38:39 > 0:38:42of the proposal on the view.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51The appeal process is a little more familiar
0:38:51 > 0:38:53to green energy entrepreneur, Dale.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Almost half of the 53 turbines he's built in the UK
0:38:57 > 0:39:00were initially refused consent by the planners.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05This is the first windmill that I built, 16 years old this year,
0:39:05 > 0:39:09it's the first and still the only turbine in Gloucestershire. I used
0:39:09 > 0:39:13to live just over there by the tree line in my trailer, with my little windmill.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Getting planning consent for this was quite a challenge,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19it was very early, early '90s, wind energy was quite new,
0:39:19 > 0:39:24seen as a bit fringy, a bit hippy, wasn't very well understood.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27The local people that were against it claimed it would interfere
0:39:27 > 0:39:32with TV signals, ruin house prices, everything but turn the milk sour.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Nearly 20 years later, we're facing the same
0:39:36 > 0:39:39kind of crazy claims, when all people have to do is get in the car,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42come up here, have a look and listen for themselves -
0:39:42 > 0:39:44see how quiet these things are. Job done.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51Despite Dale's confidence that his turbines will be good neighbours,
0:39:51 > 0:39:54many local residents are determined to persuade
0:39:54 > 0:39:57the inspector to say no to the wind farm.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- Hi, Russell.- Objector Russ Holloway intends to take full advantage
0:40:02 > 0:40:04of the inspector's visit.
0:40:04 > 0:40:05Picked a nice day for it.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Yes, very lucky today. Very lucky indeed.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Who was this prepared by?
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- Save Berkeley Vale.- Right. - It hasn't been objected to...
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Just to give you the perspective.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Sorry, it's not part of the evidence that's before me,
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- so I can't listen to fresh evidence. - Just to give you a perspective
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- of where they're going to be. - Fine. I'll rely on the evidence
0:40:22 > 0:40:25that's been put before the inquiry, I think.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26Thank you very much anyway.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32He didn't want to look at our photo.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- No, well, that's evidence, isn't it? - Yes.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36There were a lot more that wanted to be visited
0:40:36 > 0:40:39that we couldn't fit in with the timescale.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- Had to be... - They're running late now,
0:40:41 > 0:40:45and it's probably going to get later as time goes on, particularly
0:40:45 > 0:40:48if they are going to go on the battlements of Berkeley Castle.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53We had this whole problem in the 1960s.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58The Central Electricity Generating Board wanted to put up
0:40:58 > 0:41:00a line of pylons.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05And my father and I took it to the House of Lords and we won the day.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09We shouldn't have things like this in this vale.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17I don't know how he's planning this, but I shall probably have words
0:41:17 > 0:41:22with him about my views on these particular wind turbines.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Right.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33This will give you some idea of how high we are.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39I mean, the blades of the turbine will...
0:41:39 > 0:41:40be above the skyline.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Mm.
0:41:43 > 0:41:44Mm.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48It's quite spectacular.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Amazing.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- It's interesting, in the 1960s... - Would...- I'm sorry.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Sorry, I was just going to say,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58I can't listen to any fresh evidence...
0:41:58 > 0:42:02No, no, I know. No, no. You can't, I know!
0:42:02 > 0:42:03Well, um...
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Can we offer you a cup of coffee or something? It's not bribery!
0:42:07 > 0:42:09But to help you on your way.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12We've just had lunch, thank you, we're just on our way now.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17The inspector will now have to consider the case made by lawyers
0:42:17 > 0:42:21from both sides, before delivering his verdict.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25We'll win the battle, we always won our battles as a family
0:42:25 > 0:42:26and we'll win this one.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38On the Edinburgh coastline,
0:42:38 > 0:42:42the Beach House Cafe's application to extend the premises and install
0:42:42 > 0:42:46a new ventilation system has caused quite a stir with the neighbours.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52As everyone who lives in the block has objected,
0:42:52 > 0:42:56the Edinburgh planning committee have been drafted in to adjudicate.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Made up of councillors from a range of backgrounds,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02including an electrician and a retired air stewardess,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05they have the power to make or break applications.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08They bring all the cakes and soups and things in
0:43:08 > 0:43:09and have them delivered.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13- They don't cook on the premises? - No, they've got restricted cooking.
0:43:13 > 0:43:14They don't have a flue at present
0:43:14 > 0:43:18so they need that to be able to do the full range of cooking.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22The committee are due to hold a public meeting,
0:43:22 > 0:43:26where they will consider the concerns of the cafe's neighbours.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30If they allow the expansion, the cafe owners will be able to employ
0:43:30 > 0:43:34more people, and offer a wider range of food to their customers.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38So there will actually be two slim metal flues,
0:43:38 > 0:43:43to try and reduce the impact, cos obviously you don't really want
0:43:43 > 0:43:45a huge flue going up the building.
0:43:47 > 0:43:52We need businesses like this in Portobello, that's the balancing act, isn't it?
0:43:52 > 0:43:55Portobello will just crumble if we don't have businesses like this.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59My main concern is the ventilation systems for the cooking facilities,
0:43:59 > 0:44:03where that goes and how much impact that has on someone's living.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08Upstairs on the second floor,
0:44:08 > 0:44:12the Mulgary twins are preparing for the impending planning meeting.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18They've abandoned their silver foil illustrations of the flues
0:44:18 > 0:44:20and have decided to make a full-scale replica.
0:44:22 > 0:44:28We thought it would be a good idea to make a mock-up of the two tubes.
0:44:28 > 0:44:33175mm. Because most people have no idea of what is proposed.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37Downstairs, cafe owners Jonathan and his wife Sarah
0:44:37 > 0:44:40are preparing their side of the story for the committee.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45Whilst there are objectors from the flats upstairs and three or four
0:44:45 > 0:44:47neighbours from around about,
0:44:47 > 0:44:51we've in fact got 400 signatures and letters of support,
0:44:51 > 0:44:55which we'll be submitting to the councillors for tomorrow's meeting.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58So if the diameter is that,
0:44:58 > 0:45:02the circumference will be, old school maths...
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- Pi D.- Pi D.- But then we have to get the calculator.
0:45:05 > 0:45:06Yes, calculator.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10The objectors have been taking what we want to do
0:45:10 > 0:45:13and extrapolating it several times over.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18We think they've chosen to lose the plot.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22One slim tube.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24THEY CHUCKLE
0:45:28 > 0:45:31At the planning hearing, the councillors will decide
0:45:31 > 0:45:35if the cafe extension can go ahead in the face of local objections.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39The planners have recommended approval,
0:45:39 > 0:45:42but the objectors will be given a chance to put their case.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46Ever prepared, the Mulgary twins have brought their props.
0:45:47 > 0:45:51I'd like to make clear that my sister and I represent
0:45:51 > 0:45:55the view of all the residents in the flats above the cafe.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58We have no objection to the cafe being extended
0:45:58 > 0:46:00with the present restrictions
0:46:00 > 0:46:04on cooking, but we do object to the type of cooking that requires
0:46:04 > 0:46:07an industrial flue to be attached to the building.
0:46:07 > 0:46:13Two slim stainless steel tubes will not be conspicuous.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16That is the size of the tubes.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20And it may well be, bigger tubes will be necessary.
0:46:20 > 0:46:24We therefore ask that the subcommittee grant the application,
0:46:24 > 0:46:27but only with the present cooking restrictions.
0:46:29 > 0:46:30- MAN:- Thanks very much.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36After reading the reports and hearing from the twins,
0:46:36 > 0:46:39the committee agrees to allow the cafe to extend
0:46:39 > 0:46:40into the neighbouring flat.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43OK, can I thank you very much for your contribution?
0:46:43 > 0:46:47But then it comes to light that they are powerless to grant permission
0:46:47 > 0:46:52for the ventilation flues. The exterior walls are jointly owned,
0:46:52 > 0:46:56so for Jonathan and Sarah to install the flues, they'd need permission
0:46:56 > 0:46:59from all the other residents in the block.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08The council subcommittee decided that the cafe would be restricted
0:47:08 > 0:47:13to the present type of cooking, and if they wanted to put the flue up,
0:47:13 > 0:47:17they had to get our consent, which will never be given, of course.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21Yes, as Lady Macbeth said, "That day will never come!"
0:47:22 > 0:47:25They're going to allow us to grow the cafe,
0:47:25 > 0:47:28but within the current restrictions.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32Back to microwaves and soups and bain-maries and the like.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35We're happy we got an even better solution than we thought
0:47:35 > 0:47:37we would get. This is better.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39And we're happy for Jonathan and Sarah too
0:47:39 > 0:47:41- because they can get on with their cafe.- Yes.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43So we're really quite happy.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46We hope they see sense and don't try anything else.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49- Happy families.- Happy families.
0:47:49 > 0:47:50Yes.
0:47:54 > 0:47:59The application to build more than 300 houses on a farm and recreation
0:47:59 > 0:48:03ground in Cheltenham has been referred to the planning committee.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05Are you going away for Christmas, Barbara?
0:48:05 > 0:48:09- No, I'm going away for New Year. - To America?- California.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12The elected councillors will have to decide
0:48:12 > 0:48:16if permission should be granted in the face of local opposition.
0:48:17 > 0:48:23It's one of the biggest ones I can remember, and I've been on 13 years.
0:48:23 > 0:48:24I don't know about you, but...
0:48:24 > 0:48:27It is a very large planning application,
0:48:27 > 0:48:30it's very, very controversial. We've got four speakers now,
0:48:30 > 0:48:35we did have three. Three against and one in support -
0:48:35 > 0:48:38and guess who the one in support is? The applicant!
0:48:38 > 0:48:42Unfortunately, in planning you're always going to upset somebody,
0:48:42 > 0:48:44whether you say yes or no.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49With the planning meeting looming,
0:48:49 > 0:48:52Pete still doesn't have anywhere to move to.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55He decided not to apply for the farm he recently viewed,
0:48:55 > 0:48:59fearing that he didn't stand a chance of getting the lease.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03If permission is granted for building at Starvehall Farm
0:49:03 > 0:49:07then Pete won't just lose his land, he'll lose his home too.
0:49:08 > 0:49:13I've known it since 1976, I've farmed it with my father
0:49:13 > 0:49:15and farmed it myself.
0:49:16 > 0:49:18You get used to it, don't you, you know?
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Since I might not have a farm,
0:49:21 > 0:49:23I'll have to keep myself occupied somehow.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29Despite the weather...
0:49:29 > 0:49:30Oh, my wordy, wordy!
0:49:30 > 0:49:33..planner Rob Lindsey wants the committee
0:49:33 > 0:49:36to look at the site, as the original plans have been amended.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40With so much opposition to the scheme,
0:49:40 > 0:49:43the architects are now proposing to leave a small section
0:49:43 > 0:49:46of the recreation ground as open space.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49All we're going to look at is an imaginary line!
0:49:49 > 0:49:51I hope it's worth it.
0:49:51 > 0:49:54Right, could you stand there? Thank you.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57As there are no markers pegged out on the field, Rob has come up
0:49:57 > 0:50:01with an unorthodox method of demonstrating the new building line.
0:50:01 > 0:50:06The two human pegs represent a line averaging that point there.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09I've only seen one... Hang on, where's the other human peg?
0:50:09 > 0:50:10- Down there.- Down there?
0:50:10 > 0:50:14- Oh, there! OK.- Across the field.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17Those two pegs represent a line between the corner of that house
0:50:17 > 0:50:22and Rushy Mews, which is cutting that boundary there.
0:50:22 > 0:50:26Right, I think that's all I need to show you here, if you've had enough?
0:50:26 > 0:50:28Yes? THEY LAUGH
0:50:28 > 0:50:29- Thank you.- OK.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32What we are doing is trying to strike a balance
0:50:32 > 0:50:36between the objectors' interests and the interests of the developer.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39And we feel that with some open space retained,
0:50:39 > 0:50:41that it will be a viable proposal.
0:50:44 > 0:50:48Whilst the dog walkers would get to use a smaller section
0:50:48 > 0:50:52of open space, the entire farm will still be built on
0:50:52 > 0:50:53if planning is granted.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56It would be nice to know what was happening.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59I've got a lot of clearing up to do if I've got to get out from here.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03And I've also got to earn a living at the same time.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07But I believe there's a planning meeting tonight.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11Everyone on the council is quite confident that it's going to go through.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15But, er, we shall see.
0:51:26 > 0:51:30Tonight, the planning committee will decide if the housing estate
0:51:30 > 0:51:33that would replace Pete's farm, and most of the recreation ground,
0:51:33 > 0:51:34is acceptable.
0:51:45 > 0:51:49The first application is for land at Starvehall Farm.
0:51:50 > 0:51:56First speaker is Colonel Bob Stark, in opposition to the application.
0:51:56 > 0:51:59We welcome the change to this application,
0:51:59 > 0:52:01but two major issues remain.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04It's a very big application for Cheltenham,
0:52:04 > 0:52:08it's the biggest we've had for 15 years or so in terms of
0:52:08 > 0:52:12the number of houses proposed at once and the issues being thrown up
0:52:12 > 0:52:13by the application.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17The revised scheme hasn't actually tempered the opposition.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20So, yeah, for Cheltenham it's massive.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23We further request that you direct the applicant
0:52:23 > 0:52:25to properly consult with our community
0:52:25 > 0:52:28and return to your committee with revised designs that would
0:52:28 > 0:52:32truly help Cheltenham meet its need for new housing. Thank you.
0:52:32 > 0:52:38CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:52:44 > 0:52:51Can I please ask the gallery to refrain from any audible comment
0:52:51 > 0:52:57or applause? We understand your concerns about this development,
0:52:57 > 0:53:01it's amply demonstrated by the number of people that are here.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05And I'm afraid that if it happens again, I will have to call for
0:53:05 > 0:53:08the gallery to be cleared. LAUGHTER
0:53:11 > 0:53:15I now open it up to debate by members.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17Thank you, Madam Chair.
0:53:17 > 0:53:22This site was identified by the borough council as being
0:53:22 > 0:53:25the sixth most important amenity site
0:53:25 > 0:53:28out of 119 around Cheltenham
0:53:28 > 0:53:31and should be given appropriate protection.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35Now we're told it's not required and suitable for development.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38It is not just nimbyism -
0:53:38 > 0:53:42a lot of people from outside the area are saying, "Save this."
0:53:44 > 0:53:48We as councillors have been given a responsibility to take some
0:53:48 > 0:53:52unpalatable decisions, especially over housing for our children
0:53:52 > 0:53:55and especially over affordable housing.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57If we are going to protect the green belt,
0:53:57 > 0:54:01we are unfortunately going to have to look at sites like this.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05No other members indicating, so we'll go to the vote.
0:54:06 > 0:54:08All those in favour of refusal...
0:54:11 > 0:54:13- Four.- That is four.
0:54:13 > 0:54:15All those against refusal...
0:54:21 > 0:54:23- Ten.- That's ten.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27That is approved.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34The successful application means that whilst a small section
0:54:34 > 0:54:36of the recreation land will be kept,
0:54:36 > 0:54:40the whole of Starvehall Farm will be lost to the new estate.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43CHATTERING
0:54:44 > 0:54:48It's the end of the road for me. Complete end of the road for me.
0:54:50 > 0:54:54I think it was done for financial reasons, no other reason,
0:54:54 > 0:54:56because the council are short of money.
0:54:56 > 0:55:01Changing from an agricultural use to suburban development
0:55:01 > 0:55:03is very radical indeed.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06And it's very sad for him at a personal level.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10It's part of what happens in towns as they develop,
0:55:10 > 0:55:14changes do take place, don't they? Some of them quite far-reaching.
0:55:14 > 0:55:19Sometimes you feel a bit frustrated that people are cross
0:55:19 > 0:55:22with the decision that you've helped make.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24I'm sorry about it,
0:55:24 > 0:55:27but you've got to keep it in your mind
0:55:27 > 0:55:30you're trying to do your best for Cheltenham and the community.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41In Berkley Vale, the planning inspector's decision
0:55:41 > 0:55:42on the wind turbines is due.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46Green entrepreneur, Dale Vince, appealed against the planners'
0:55:46 > 0:55:50original refusal. Local residents Russ and Jill Holloway
0:55:50 > 0:55:52are hoping it'll be dismissed.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58I've got an e-mail from the planning inspectorate.
0:55:59 > 0:56:03And it just says, "Covering letter - I enclose the decision." I'm now...
0:56:05 > 0:56:06Oh...
0:56:06 > 0:56:09..opening on the decision.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19Appeal...
0:56:20 > 0:56:22"Decision - I dismiss the appeal."
0:56:22 > 0:56:24Ahhh!
0:56:26 > 0:56:28That means we've won.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30That really does mean we've won.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38Oh, gosh, that is fantastic.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41Russ!
0:56:41 > 0:56:43Do you want to know the result?
0:56:44 > 0:56:46- Really?- We've won!- Oh!
0:56:46 > 0:56:50- Fantastic. Well done.- We've done it!
0:56:50 > 0:56:53What a star. I must say, I reckon it's down to you.
0:56:54 > 0:56:58Shall I go and put the flag up on the flagpole, with some bunting?
0:56:59 > 0:57:03For Dale, the decision means the 15-year wait to build a wind farm
0:57:03 > 0:57:06in his home county must continue.
0:57:06 > 0:57:08We think it's a big missed opportunity for the people
0:57:08 > 0:57:10of Stroud district.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13Nearly 15% of homes could have been powered by this wind farm.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15And at the same time, we've got to wonder
0:57:15 > 0:57:20if this isn't down to a change in planning policy from the Government.
0:57:22 > 0:57:24I think the inspector got the message,
0:57:24 > 0:57:27when he went on the roof of the castle,
0:57:27 > 0:57:29this wasn't the right place for wind turbines.
0:57:31 > 0:57:34They may try elsewhere in the vale.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37My only warning is that
0:57:37 > 0:57:40I will fight anything that I think
0:57:40 > 0:57:43will be obtrusive in this vale.
0:57:45 > 0:57:47Anyway...
0:57:47 > 0:57:51- Cheers, everybody. Well done to everybody, really.- Cheers.
0:57:51 > 0:57:55I would hope it was the end of it, but you never know with Dale Vince.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58The energy crisis is going to bite us.
0:57:58 > 0:58:02Within a few more years there will be another change in planning
0:58:02 > 0:58:05policy for renewable energy and for windmills in England.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08And, as Arnie said, we'll be back.
0:58:34 > 0:58:37Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd