0:00:09 > 0:00:12A few years ago I was lucky enough to be able to buy
0:00:12 > 0:00:1570 acres of land just over there.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18That land came with a farmhouse.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20A semi-derelict wreck
0:00:22 > 0:00:24which we completely restored.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Now we're moving on to two other buildings on the farm.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34A 200-year-old water mill
0:00:34 > 0:00:37and just across the lane from it, the miller's cottage.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43It's time for Pembrokeshire Farm Phase Two.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57The mill and the miller's cottage were both
0:00:57 > 0:00:59originally built around 1800.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03My aim is to restore them and turn them into modern places
0:01:03 > 0:01:05for visitors to the farm to stay.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09They are two rather different projects.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13On the one hand is the cottage.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18In latter years it was little more than a derelict cattle shed,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21but we're rebuilding it using traditional methods
0:01:21 > 0:01:25and following the original footprint of the house.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29It's painstaking work but progressing well.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36The mill building isn't so simple.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39It's not a house, it's a working space.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44All we've done so far is replace the old, decaying roof.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48We need detailed planning permission and a complex design.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53I've given the project to my son George
0:01:53 > 0:01:55who's training to be an architect.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00George has spent rather a long time finalising his plans,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04which include a modern and potentially controversial extension.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07I have builders on-site, waiting to get started.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10We've discussed the plans for the mill
0:02:10 > 0:02:14but I have just heard that the planning application for the mill
0:02:14 > 0:02:17hasn't yet gone in, so we can't even start the job.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22I just haven't managed to find the time to get it done.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Squeezing it in between work
0:02:26 > 0:02:29and trying to get a place at University to do a diploma.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Between that and trying to get in touch with the planners,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39designing the project, sorting out everything else,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41it's sort of slid. A bit.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43George has a lot to do
0:02:43 > 0:02:47and a demanding college course to attend to as well.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I sense a creative block when it comes to the mill,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55though his designs for the cottage have been hugely successful.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Gill and her team are already plastering and painting
0:02:59 > 0:03:03the outside walls with traditional, lime-based materials.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15They would not have plastered the outside of the buildings usually.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17It would have been too expensive.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20They would've simply lime-washed it year after year.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25We're cheating by giving it a bit of a head start
0:03:25 > 0:03:27by putting plaster on.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Lime is just a very basic material.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33All you're doing is adding a layer of stone
0:03:33 > 0:03:34to the outside of the building.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37When it's put on the wall
0:03:37 > 0:03:39it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41goes back to limestone.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Lime needs moisture for the carbonation process to work,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50so although it absorbs water, it dries up very quickly
0:03:50 > 0:03:53which is why it's very good protection for a building.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55You're using a very natural product
0:03:55 > 0:03:58which has been used for hundreds of thousands of years.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01That's part of the problem today. It's been forgotten.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Not many people know how to use it.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It only takes a generation.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Once a generation stops doing something, then it's lost.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15With the exterior of the building emerging as a blistering white,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18the cottage is starting to look like a proper house.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20It's still far from finished.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24One issue we have to address is the curtilage.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26That's the garden to you and me.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29It's something that George hasn't managed to finalise,
0:04:29 > 0:04:33though we have been through this before.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35What are you doing about hard surfacing here?
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Well that's the question.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41'Cause you've never done any gardening, ever in your life. Ever.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43It's too complicated to have a garden there.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- You won't want a garden there. - OK.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- What are you going to put in that? - Good question.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Well, exactly. What are you going to put in that gap?
0:04:50 > 0:04:53We could put grass, but would that be odd?
0:04:53 > 0:04:57You have to put either crushed slate or cobbles or gravel in there.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Here's your slate that comes out here like this.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Does it want to go out that far or do we want to bring it closer?
0:05:04 > 0:05:05It comes here, it comes here.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06SIGH
0:05:06 > 0:05:09It's no good having a discussion with you
0:05:09 > 0:05:11if after we've had the discussion,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15six months past we have to have the discussion all over again!
0:05:15 > 0:05:18All the arguments again because you haven't done a drawing!
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- I know. But... - But what?
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- But nothing! I'll go and draw it! - I'll draw you something up.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33Blissfully unaware of our heated debate is Colin Parkinson.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35He's working on my nature trail,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38the footpath along the course of the stream
0:05:38 > 0:05:42which will give us access to the lower reaches of the farm.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49In all good fairytales, every prince has to fight his way
0:05:49 > 0:05:54through brambles and thorns in order to find the princess.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02I'm sure enough blackthorn bushes later, we'll find one.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06I'll probably end up having to kiss the toad
0:06:06 > 0:06:09in order to get it to be what I want it to be.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Sadly I may have been born in the wrong era, I think sometimes.
0:06:28 > 0:06:35Maybe that's not such a bad thing. Maybe the land needs people like me.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40A little bit out of date maybe, but still important forever.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47While we're talking of timeless values,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50I've started another restoration project.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53It's not a building this time,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56it's something that'll make use of the old farm buildings
0:06:56 > 0:06:58while we await other developments.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22It's actually winding it's way through the country lanes,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24even as I speak.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27It is an old showman's wagon.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Fairground families once roamed Britain in these
0:07:30 > 0:07:34and I looked at an example about a month ago but decided against it.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36There seemed to be too much work to do.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38But, oh dear.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40I was taken.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43So, like a fool, I bought another one entirely.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47It will, apparently, need a lot less work. I'm sure.
0:07:53 > 0:07:59Dave Yarwood is our master carpenter, and this will be his baby.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01It's a bit like an old house in a way.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03You've got to take the thing apart,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05then you'll find out what condition it's in
0:08:05 > 0:08:09and you'll have an idea of what you've got to get on with
0:08:09 > 0:08:12and do to bring it back to its former glory.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Look at the size of that!
0:08:14 > 0:08:16They can't bring that down here!
0:08:19 > 0:08:20Ready, Peter?
0:08:21 > 0:08:23We're good? I think so.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27- Whoops! - Easy, tiger!
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Yeah, that's OK.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37The wagon cost me about £15,000.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39It looks pretty sound.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Perhaps a little brightening up.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46It'll be work for the guys while we wait for our planning permission.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Once restored, it'll be a fun place to bunk down.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53At this stage I'm doing useless things like standing around
0:08:53 > 0:08:55with my hands out going like this.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04It's 35 foot long, 10 foot wide and almost 17 foot high.
0:09:05 > 0:09:12The potato barn is just about a potato higher.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16That's extraordinary!
0:09:24 > 0:09:26It is like Christmas!
0:09:28 > 0:09:29Look at that!
0:09:32 > 0:09:34That is beautiful.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- Pretty much all there, isn't it? - Yes. Fantastic.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42So if this is the gable end...
0:09:42 > 0:09:45George has finally submitted his plans for the mill
0:09:45 > 0:09:49to the Council Planning Department. Now the hurdles really begin.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52He's proposing a simple extension with a radical edge.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56It's a neatly proportioned timber-framed box, clad in bronze.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59The planners from Pembrokeshire council liked the idea,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01but they're not the only people with a say.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05It's something that isn't particularly local, as a material,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08so it's a question of whether that's OK with them.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Whether they can accept that sort of approach.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16I think George has done a very interesting, subtle, modern
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and contemporary design.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21It's an intrinsic part of what we want to do.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25If we're going to make an addition to that structure,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28we're not going to make it in a fake way.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Nor are we going to try and make something too cosy.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37We're going to make something which is not cutting edge,
0:10:37 > 0:10:39but modern architecture.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42So you see the old and you have the new next to it.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46The new will hover over the site of the old wheelhouse
0:10:46 > 0:10:48and reflect its original shape.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51An ingenious idea which should be in our favour.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56But Gill is worried that the bronze cladding may be too modern
0:10:56 > 0:10:57for some people.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00I'm a bit concerned they're going to have a problem
0:11:00 > 0:11:05with the existing plans and that's going to delay the process,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08delay the planning and therefore delay the start of the building.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14We don't have to wait that long for a response.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26George's plans have come to the first hurdle.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28There will be a delay.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Objections have been lodged to the look of the new extension.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36The plans will not go straight through.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38They will now have to be considered by a committee,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and that can only happen some months ahead.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48The most important thing in the letter is basically,
0:11:48 > 0:11:50we have to go to the planning committee.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Committee is a bit more of a lottery,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55committee members may have different opinions.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Will we be able to present our version?
0:11:57 > 0:12:01I'll get three minutes to present the scheme.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Any local objectors who want to stand up
0:12:05 > 0:12:09and say they think it should be rejected, may do so.
0:12:09 > 0:12:15If they do reject it then they could ask you to submit other designs.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18You'd have to go back to the drawing board,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22redesign it in a way that was more favourable, put it in for planning
0:12:22 > 0:12:24before going to committee again.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26That's another six months, isn't it?
0:12:27 > 0:12:28Who knows?
0:12:32 > 0:12:37Over in the cottage Gill and her team do have things to get on with.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40We want an efficient way of heating the building
0:12:40 > 0:12:42that's sympathetic with the environment.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Self-sufficiency is important.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Energy conservation is part of our conservation brief.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49The first and cheapest measure
0:12:49 > 0:12:51is to make sure it is well insulated.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54In the roof we're using a locally sourced material
0:12:54 > 0:12:57which is in plentiful supply around here.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Sheep's wool.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08We've got insulated sarking boards on the outside of the rafters,
0:13:08 > 0:13:11sheep's wool between the rafters
0:13:11 > 0:13:15and then two and a half inches of thermal insulating board
0:13:15 > 0:13:18on the inside of the rafters.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20It's a completely sealed up roof.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Because all of those materials breathe
0:13:22 > 0:13:26we don't need to have a cavity or any particular airflow
0:13:26 > 0:13:29because they all allow air and moisture to flow.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33It will be very nice and cosy. It's cosy now.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36We've only just put this in and with these lights we've got up here,
0:13:36 > 0:13:38it's warming up nicely.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42The more you conserve at the beginning, pound for pound,
0:13:42 > 0:13:44it's the most effective way.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45So if the architect says,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48"Put in six inches of insulation." Put in 12.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Less heat loss means a smaller heating system,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57a smaller heating system is less to buy and costs less to run.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00A few miles down the road in St Davids
0:14:00 > 0:14:02they're building a new art gallery.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05The heating system they're using here is the latest
0:14:05 > 0:14:07in zero carbon technology.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12I wonder if we should consider something similar for our cottage.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Traditionally, conservation has been about looking after the past.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19We're saying, "Woah, there's a future to be conserved as well."
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Which is a new thing. We're giving it a go.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- What are you doing? - Lots of little things.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26That's the general impression.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29First thing is we're going to try and heat the space in the building
0:14:29 > 0:14:31from ground source heat pumps.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34The ground here is a greater temperature than the air.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37We are using that constant temperature like a reverse fridge.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40The back of your fridge has a lot of kit that is hot
0:14:40 > 0:14:42and inside the fridge it's cold.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44We're reversing that process and using that energy
0:14:44 > 0:14:46to heat the space in the building.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48What about the economics?
0:14:48 > 0:14:50There's short term economics and then long term.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53We're trying to look at whole life costs.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56It isn't a short term winner, but once we've got the system in
0:14:56 > 0:14:59and paid for the capital, the running costs are negligible.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Isn't some of this technology we're using now going to be out of date
0:15:01 > 0:15:05and replaced by better technology in 10 years' time?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07So I'll have to replace it all over again?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Yes, yes and yes.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12We're all in this for some higher reason.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14If we don't try it, why should anybody else?
0:15:14 > 0:15:18If nobody uses the technology, then you won't get improvements.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22It will improve and reduce in price over time.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24That doesn't mean you shouldn't use it now.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27I think I'm going to be surrounded by even more idealists.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32Not only conservation idealists, but green, Save the Planet idealists!
0:15:32 > 0:15:34It's a pleasure spending other people's money.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Ha-ha-ha!
0:15:39 > 0:15:43I can't help wondering if there are, what's the word I'm looking for?
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Cheaper options.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50There is one power source we have a lot of here - wind.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01On a neighbouring farm, this turbine generates enough electricity
0:16:01 > 0:16:05to heat a whole house and send power to the grid.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08But it's big. Bigger than I thought.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12At this size, would it be an intrusion to the landscape?
0:16:12 > 0:16:16I'm surprised at the size of the turbine up there,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20wobbling around on its galvanised pole.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23The noise doesn't seem to be an issue.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25It may be because it's a windy day
0:16:25 > 0:16:30and there's so much noise coming from the rest of the environment
0:16:30 > 0:16:32that you hardly notice it whistling away.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35But because it's on this flattish piece of land,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39it's not really visible from a lot of other areas.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43And you realise that's very much in its favour.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46I want to have a think.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Today is the day George has to meet the planning committee
0:16:56 > 0:16:59to defend his plans for the mill.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Tense? Nervous? Never mind how I'm feeling, what about him?
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Moderately nervous.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Um... Yeah, I guess.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10I'm not really sure which way this is going to go.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14It could be either. It's all up to the councillors.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18He will have just three minutes to make his case.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23In fact, it doesn't take that long.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27We've had a bit of a disaster.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30It seems the planners have noticed that
0:17:30 > 0:17:33the level of the roof, as it is rebuilt,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36is notably a little bit higher
0:17:36 > 0:17:40than the roof was on the existing building when they first came.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43They don't think we can put it in front of the committee
0:17:43 > 0:17:46until we've resolved that problem.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52The planners this morning noticed from some newer photographs
0:17:52 > 0:17:55that the building appears to be a little taller
0:17:55 > 0:17:58than it was before the repairs were carried out.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Hello? Ooo.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Alright.
0:18:05 > 0:18:11He's working himself up into a bit of froth about it, but...
0:18:12 > 0:18:14I don't know. We'll have to see what we can do.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Obviously, he's concerned that it's going to be expensive.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Well, there's irony, see.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24We were focused on George's new bronze extension,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28but at the moment, the problem is with the old building itself.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31We replaced the mill roof because the old one was falling off
0:18:31 > 0:18:35and put in new structural timbers to satisfy modern building regulations.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38But in doing that, I now discover,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41we inadvertently raised the roof.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44But by how much exactly?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48The nature of the repairs which have been carried out
0:18:48 > 0:18:50should be on a like-for-like basis.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54There appears to be, um, the potential
0:18:54 > 0:18:58the repairs have gone beyond what we consider a like-for-like basis.
0:18:58 > 0:19:003380.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04We've asked them to put the application on hold for a few days
0:19:04 > 0:19:07and do a detailed measurement survey of the building,
0:19:07 > 0:19:08to get to the bottom of the issue.
0:19:08 > 0:19:103.2.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13So, that's slightly higher there.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- It's not looking good. - You think not?
0:19:17 > 0:19:19I don't think they'll take a dim view on it.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22There's a kind of optical illusion going on.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Because we pointed the whole top half
0:19:25 > 0:19:28of the wall, the middle wall,
0:19:28 > 0:19:33which made it look even more like that section had work done on it.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37I think the planners are thinking there's a two-foot increase in it.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Actually, we've measured it at approximately six to eight inches.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Six to eight inches?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47But even that small increase may be too much.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50We're now in the hands of a committee
0:19:50 > 0:19:53who have the authority to decide
0:19:53 > 0:19:55that all this work should be taken down.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01And the whole roof should be lowered by
0:20:01 > 0:20:04eight inches here and four inches at the top.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Well, we acted in good faith.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13We've got to hope the planners will see it that way.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17But, whatever happens, it's going to cause another delay.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23At the cottage, they're busy digging trenches for underground pipes.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I've decided on a central-heating system.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29We're going with the ground-source heat pump,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31like the one we saw at the art gallery in St David's.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37We're picking up loose stones that might get in the way of the pipe.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39A lot of weight is going to go back on.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48The initial outlay is expensive, but will pay for itself in the long term.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52It will be the least damaging to the immediate environment.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55It seems to work ecologically and visually,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57which is a serious concern here.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03Though it will need quite a lot of electricity to run the thing.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09With the pipes for the under-floor heating in place,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12the team can start laying the slate flooring.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42We've got a nice little machine, like a paving-slab lifter,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46which has saved our fingers from a few injuries, I'm sure.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06It's December. We're 15 months into this project.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14I haven't been here for three months.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21I was planning to spend Christmas in the cottage.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I've now seen that the garden has a little way to go.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I won't lay out my deckchairs quite yet.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Let's go inside and see how things are in there.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34The porch is looking lovely.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44For the floor plan, we're following the one of the original building.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50The only exception is that extension,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53which we added to provide a kitchen and bathroom.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Things are coming along quite nicely,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59but not exactly by Christmas nicely.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04Meanwhile, work on the mill has come to a complete halt
0:23:04 > 0:23:07while we wait to hear from the planning committee.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15At the showman's wagon, it's time to investigate what lies beneath.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22What I am considerably worried about is why they have put
0:23:22 > 0:23:26this layer-on-layer of aluminium cladding on top.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29It's stuck here. Hang on.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Alright. Mind yourselves a sec.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Whoa! Health and safety now, boys.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40Cart that off. Come in here and have a look at this.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42How lovely!
0:23:42 > 0:23:45"W Chadwick. Warrington."
0:23:45 > 0:23:46Oh, hello!
0:23:46 > 0:23:52"Two tonnes, 150 hundredweight." And its number. Isn't that lovely?
0:23:52 > 0:23:57Under other sections of the metal cladding, it's not so lovely.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01There's nothing but some form of insulation under there.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06What's interesting, and a nuisance,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09is that the wagon, effectively finishes...
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Stops there.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14We've been sold a pup!
0:24:14 > 0:24:16What am I letting myself in for?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19You're letting yourself in for a bit of the unknown, in a way.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21The wagon's listing to one side.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23I've had a little root underneath.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25I don't think it's the timber.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- It's the spring. - What it sits on.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29So, those unknowns,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33and where we can get the bits, that could cause a problem.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Do you want to do it?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38It's a challenge. It's a lovely thing to do. Yeah.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41It's exciting. It's what I do.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I want you to have a look at this and give me
0:24:44 > 0:24:47some ballpark figures for what you think.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- Ooo! - I know, but I have to do that.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54I can't enter into a system which says, "Here's a bottomless purse".
0:24:54 > 0:24:59There comes a point where, like a Viking burial,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03you might as well set fire to the thing
0:25:03 > 0:25:05than set off to spend half a million on it
0:25:05 > 0:25:08when it's not worth half a million.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I like it, but we bought this because we thought it was in good nick.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- Fine. Yeah, no problem. - Alright, great.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- Good luck, Dave. - I'll need it!
0:25:40 > 0:25:45George has sorted out the area surrounding the cottage.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49We're building classic Pembrokeshire hedge banks.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52And it's surprisingly delicate work.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Each rock has to line up and fit snugly in place.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01Pretty soon, we'll be running out of jobs to do on this cottage.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10And then, finally, there's word on the mill.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13We had a good meeting with the planners.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17They have accepted that the increase in the height of the roof
0:26:17 > 0:26:19was due to the increased size of timbers
0:26:19 > 0:26:22in order to meet building regulations.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24So we don't have to make any structural changes,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28but George has to add that to his planning application.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32So we still have to wait to see if we get planning permission.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36OK. So, after a few months,
0:26:36 > 0:26:38we're sort of back where we were.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42George must appear again in front of the planning committee
0:26:42 > 0:26:45to present his plans for the mill and his bronze-cladded extension.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49The case will be heard tomorrow.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01As recommended by the planning guidance,
0:27:01 > 0:27:07and in line with good conservation practise,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12it is highly appropriate to design
0:27:12 > 0:27:16a contemporary extension to this building.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20While being sensitive to the existing building,
0:27:20 > 0:27:25it shows the difference between the old historic building
0:27:25 > 0:27:27and what has been recently built.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29If we're turned down again,
0:27:29 > 0:27:33we'll have to forget the mill conversion and lay the team off.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35This really is our last chance.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Very lovely.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50You would hardly think it was
0:27:50 > 0:27:54just a few days before Christmas.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56It's not very cold at all.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00I can see right down the National Park.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And tomorrow, I'm going to learn
0:28:03 > 0:28:08whether I'm going to be allowed to make a small addition to that park.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I'm not entirely optimistic, actually.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21Is the sun setting on George's plans?
0:28:25 > 0:28:30Next time, we make our final appeal to the planning authorities.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Well, that was an interesting experience.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37George brings austerity to the decor.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Welcome to Grey Cottage.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43And there's more trouble at t'mill.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Once again, by doing the right thing,
0:28:46 > 0:28:48we're right in the poo-poo, aren't we?
0:28:48 > 0:28:52I hate these roofs.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd