10/02/2014 Inside Out South West

The weather has done its worst. Na Li repairers, and the questions,

begin. `` now the repairs. I think I will lose my home. Also: New homes

in the south`west, but where are the affordable ones? After renting

properties, I want a home. And it is a TV channel on a godly mission in

the North. While controversy? `` why the.

And so the clean`up begins after what many say are the worst storms

they have ever seen. Our business correspondent has the story.

Spectacular and shocking. This is the worst damage in Dawlish in

living memory and it has made several families homeless. We have

just been left with the clothes are back. I never thought that wall

would going. I think I will lose my home. Things were being picked up

and thrown straight up in the air. The region has racked up losses

running to millions. We are looking at up to ?5 million of damage caused

to the economy. Network Rail is pulling out all the stops to get

this back into action. But what is the long`term future? Can it last

another 50 years when sea`level is predicted to rise by one foot in

that time? Probably within the lifetime of our children we will get

to the point when it is not feasible to have a line running along the

coast. Politicians are now considering whether the ideal of a

second route, in the land, dismissed as impossible until now, should be

revived. The flooding on Saturday cut rail links from the West Country

completely. It revealed how fragile our rail network really is. In

Dawlish trouble began on Tuesday afternoon with damage to the sea

wall. The line was not breached but there were predictions of a major

storm to come. Families nearby are used to rough seas but are not

prepared for this. I was looking through the glass door at the waves

coming over. They just came right over the roof. At 11pm, the police

told everybody, you have five minutes to pack a bag and go. It was

an eye`opener. Lucky nobody was killed. As sightseers arrived it was

clear that the nearest residents could not go home. Incredibly, one

couple had not left. Richard and heavy and held out until Wednesday

afternoon before taking the only route out. They cannot make you

evacuate. We took a reasoned decision that high tide had already

passed and there was not another one for 12 hours. There is an early

warning system of marine boys that monitor tide heights and storm

surge. `` buoys. Everything pointed to catastrophe. The man in charge

had never seen anything like it. We had the most severe warning we

received. We can clearly now see the implications. The residents were

taken to safety just in time. We have taken it for granted in the

last 15 years I have been here. But mother nature taught us a lesson.

You can easily lose your life. The worst storms for 250 years have

ruined homes and businesses. Somerset levels, coastal

communities, and the myth. `` Plymouth. Commercially, I have

several meetings in London over the next two weeks, this is totally

disrupted my plans. It is almost as if Cornwallis closed for business.

The south`west is the poor relation in terms of transport spending.

Business leaders say they now need a bigger share. It is inexplicable

that there is a 21st`century modern railway system being planned whilst

other lines are being left dangling. You do not expect that spectacle in

a modern economy. Thursday, and this family have now spent two nights

away from home, desperate to know what is going on. We were told we

would get a daily update. We have not been given one today, that is

our worry. I am not going to cry. I was crying yesterday. Some refugees

are told they can go home. We were very nervous about the outcome of

this meeting. Lots of nervous people waiting for the statements to be

made. But it could not have been a better result. Peter and Anne are

amongst the first to return home. Her grandson is drawing takes pride

lease. `` pride of place. It is the one thing I took away. Lovely to be

home. What a relief. A home that we thought was going into the sea. The

transport Secretary, with the sun on his back. Both are a rare and

welcome sight. But he will not commit to anything yet. I have asked

for a work to be done and a report to be made. We will look at all

elements to improve resilience in the area. Rail plan is already have

one route in mind for a possibly new secondary line. There is a

conversation taking place regarding alternative lines. Additional,

rather than alternative, I do not see it replacing this. South Devon?

Or Okehampton? Okehampton in particular. Professor Shaw says it

is vital, because otherwise you could only be using the line for two

thirds of the year. Some of these homes will be uninhabitable for

weeks. Residents have been told they need repairs to drainage, gas,

electricity. The long`term is unclear. Here, residents are more

fortunate, they have been told they can go back in, but everybody is

placed for more bad weather and some have decided is not worth the risk.

My wife has gone to my sons house. She will not return until the storms

have stopped. She is upset, in a terrible state. As the town rallies

around refugees everybody hopes the line will be restored in the six

weeks Network Rail project that it might take. Memories of the storm

will last longer. It is almost like, didn't really happen? When I

look down and see that whole, it did. Some residents will not give

the home for a week. ?10 million and more will be poured into repairs.

They hope that the engineers will not only sure up the place they live

that find a way to give this historic railway a long`term future.

`` shore up. Owning your own home is an

impossible dream for many families. But we have discovered that plans

for hundreds of affordable homes have scrapped because developers say

that they cannot order to build. `` afford. We have investigated one of

the biggest losers. Alnwick and her eldest daughter are used to moving

home from one private rented house to another. We've been here six

years. Her fifth move. It is second nature to her. Anika, a night care

assistant, now is to move again. They have to spend ?800 per month

renting. We are not on benefits, sponging off the government. We work

hard. The amount of money you spend on rent, it is more than a mortgage

payment in some cases. We would jump at the chance to have

our own four walls. East Devon council say that a top

priority is to provide affordable homes for families like this. But

they rely on special agreements with private developers to build. These

so`called section 106 agreements are legally binding contracts which mean

a certain number of affordable homes must be built on each new site. East

Devon has imposed a 40% target. But a change in the law is allowing

developers to strike some, or even all of those homes, off the drawing

board. That is what has happened here. It has been foisted on us by

government. Government changed the rules. Deputy leader Andrew moulding

says he is disappointed and angry that the last large site in the

town, now owned by Tesco, will have no new homes. We wanted homes for

local people, affordable, that they could rent, or part by, part rent,

which is a good scheme. But now we have lost the lot. With its enviable

position and a world Heritage Jurassic Coast, Seaton has long been

on the tourist map. What is now the Tesco site was once a holiday camp.

Enjoyed by thousands every year for more than 70 years. Today, Seaton's

main street has seen better days, with businesses struggling or shut.

So the town has been earmarked for regeneration. On this old factory

site a local firm hopes to build 90 homes. And just down the road is the

old holiday campsite, now Tesco's land. The store went up in 2011. Now

the rest of the land will be filled with a hotel and 222 new homes.

These two schemes once included a total of 101 social homes ` 65 here

and 36 at Seaton Quay. But now there will be none. Both developers used

the change in the law to argue that their schemes wouldn't be worth

their while building if they had to include any of those affordable

homes. The cost of making the sites ready was just too much. For Tesco,

costs escalated from ?9.5 million to more than ?12 million. Tonnes of

material had to be pumped here from a barge at sea to make the site

stable. But the process is so noisy that they were forced to change from

sand and gravel to just sand. So much sand, locals now call this

Tesco beach. Tesco told the council that despite this massive effort and

expense, the site would not be suitable for terraced or higher than

three`storey homes without prohibitively expensive piled

foundations and this cut the number of homes that could be built. House

prices had also dropped. Local councilor Stephanie Jones says Tesco

must have known the site was going to be costly when they acquired it.

I'm very disappointed because they knew from the outset they had to

raise the land levels and should have taken that into their equations

when they worked out their planning density. This would have been an

opportunity to provide affordable housing, not just for the town but

the district. We put it to Tesco that it should have known the site

would be costly to develop. It didn't address the point but told us

the homes that would be built would help meet housing needs and boost

the local economy. The companies involved in Seaton took their cases

to an independent assessor, the district valuer, who looks at

surveyors' reports and confidential financial forecasts. The council

says it has no alternative but to accept his decision. They concurred

with the Felix of the surveyor. `` feelings. They said it was unviable.

Affordable housing goes. There was nothing we could do. No appeal

procedure. What's happening here in Seaton is being repeated all over

the country. Using Freedom of Information requests, Inside Out has

calculated that in this region, more than 400 have already been

negotiated away. Indeed, the Government's own estimate is that

10,000 fewer social homes will be built around the country in the four

years the viability appeal window is open. The Government says that

renegotiating economically unrealistic agreements will bring

forward viable development and help deliver more affordable housing than

would otherwise have been the case. And it says that because of this,

the number of stalled sites is falling month on month. We are

standing looking across this field where this housing is proposed.

Richard May is overseeing this ?160 million plan for northern Plymouth.

Nearly 900 homes will be built in this valley, but with 69 fewer

social homes than the council wanted. The developers had

threatened to pull out if it had to build more. The council had to

concede. Because affordable homes are usually sold to housing

associations at less than market price, they can, he says, be the

difference between a builder making a profit or a loss. The sales price

is where you start. You take off those costs. The costs to build it

and the infrastructure. Developers usually aim for 20% profit before

paying those costs. You could say, why don't they take a 10% return?

But if they do that, they aren't making anything at all. And they

will not do it. It's common business sense, I suppose. In Seaton, Annika

and Adam check the website where all of Devon's available social homes

are advertised. There's 27. But we're not eligible for most of them.

There's none in Seaton. They're not alone. More than 1,500 households in

East Devon are chasing an affordable home. The council says it would take

at least 15 years to provide that many, even before the change in the

law. This week there was none in Seaton. The closest was Exeter and

that would mean changing schools and my job. Huge changes. It's something

I'm not prepared to do. My families and friends are here. It sounds side

but our dream is a council house. Or a housing association. At least then

it's a secure tenancy, a home for ten or 20 years, if we wanted it to

be. I don't live in a palace... I live in a row. I would love not to

have magnolia walls. After six years of privately rented operatives. I

want a home. East Devon Council has told Tesco it will claw back some

money if and when this site becomes profitable to use for families like

Annika's. After all, every little helps.

Union Street in Plymouth. Somewhere to dance and generally do ungodly

things. An unlikely location, you might think, for a religious

enterprise. Except this one, say critics, isn't without sins of its

own. Welcome to the pavilions! It might have the trappings of a rock

concert but this event is, in fact, a religious service. And it's in

downtown Devon. Our purpose is to broadcast the gospel. To share a

message of hope and Christian faith. We are very fortunate we have a

loyal viewer base around the world and a growing base in the South West

of England. It's a version of Christianity that looks and feels as

American as apple pie. But it's a message that'll soon be coming from

surprisingly close to home. From this old nightclub, in fact. Because

this place is now holy ground for the broadcasting phenomenon that is

God TV. The Pavilions event is part of the new building's consecration.

More than 1,000 people have turned up from all around the world. A

wonderful God laissez... `` bless you. God TV was set up by a husband

and wife team and broadcasts a range of religious programming 24 hours a

day. Such a welcome to our viewers. Much of it originates from the

United States. Reportedly, it includes Wayne Rooney among its

British viewers. God TV's main studio is in Jerusalem. But it also

has offices around here. The suburb of Linton. . And now they are in the

heart of the city, converting the former Union Street nightclub into a

Revival Prayer Centre. The plan is to beam regular services from here

around the world. Today, some of God TV's supporters are being shown

around as part of the consecration event. Father, we give you the glory

that the seasoning we will have the privilege to consecrate this space

before you add before our audience around the world. `` this evening.

To hoteliers, this visitation is the answer to their prayers. Thanks to

the God TV event, this landmark hotel was one of several to receive

record bookings for January and they're expecting bigger things to

come. They are quoting 50 events every year and based on the first

event, which we believe is called a small event, the hotel is full and

others who `` other hotels are full locally. This will be good news for

the local economy. The City Council has given the plans for the new

building their blessing and leader Tudor Evans has said it will give

the city 100 jobs and worldwide exposure. It all sounds like good

news for Plymouth. But not everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

Critics are uneasy about some of God TV's messages and their messengers.

Join me! Several of the preachers seen on God TV appear to enjoy

lavish lifestyles. Back in 2007, Kenneth Copeland accepted his

ministry's new jet as a gift from God. Father, we receive it. We

receive it as a gift from on high. Some Christians take exception to

Copeland's style of televangelism. You have this whole manipulative

system, very slick, lots of media savvy types looking rather cool and

trendy but actually what this is all about is getting into your wallet to

help church leaders and make the church wealthy. Giles Fraser is a

parish priest in a part of London that experiences high levels of

deprivation. He objects to God TV giving a platform to those who

preach the so`called prosperity gospel that good Christians can

expect to become wealthy. I want to talk about a financial breakthrough.

The key is to believe that God wants you to be financially successful.

Would they say that of Jesus? He didn't drive a Porsche. He wasn't

demonstrating his wealth. The holy spirit has said something... He

says, he wants to show you how to prosper. Indeed, there was a great

renunciation of material prosperity and throughout the scriptures and

the early church there is a huge emphasis on the renunciation of

material prosperity. Despite such misgivings, back in Plymouth, God TV

is attracting a crowd most churches can only dream of. They've paid ?27

each to see another controversial star of God TV, Pastor Benny Hinn.

We did not have the money so Brigid, a prophet, said we have to go. So I

telephoned Barclays for aim `` and overdraft. I phoned up Barclaycard

and they said yes, we will give you some money. What you put that down

to? We think God wants us to be here. We would love to have met Mr

Benny Hinn. But they said no. They also did not allow us to film

whatever Benny Hinn is about to do. They did provide us with edited

highlights. I believe that God will always be blessed... But aspects of

Benny Hinn's work have caused concern in the past. Independent

film`maker Antony Thomas spent a year following Hinn and his work. He

filmed him performing at what he calls his Miracle Crusades. Up to

the stage when I made that film, I was someone who said my prayers

every night. I was not a regular churchgoer but I think I could say I

was a committed Christian. It permanently, the experiences

apparently threw everything into doubt. She has never walked! Only

with these home`made crutches. Antony says that he followed up

seven people supposedly healed at Hinn's Miracle Crusades. I did not

find one single case of any cure. Not one. Benny Hinn is reported as

saying he never heals anyone but that his followers tell him they're

healed when they come on stage. We made several attempts to contact Mr

Hinn but received no reply. God TV says it offers its viewers a broad

range of Christian views. Some of its preachers may attract

controversy but what about the founders? Wendy and Rory Alec are

also known as Wendy and Rory Stephen. They are not sure who ``

not shy. They are often on`air, talking about the channel. But they

were shy of our cameras. They didn't want to be interviewed. It would

seem the prosperity gospel is working for them. They live in this

splendid mansion on the outskirts of Plymouth. But finding out more about

their financial affairs is tricky. Their finances are wrapped up in a

complex network of charities spread across the world. We can tell you

that the British charity's income for 2011`12 was more than ?7

million, boosted by tax reclaimed from the Government on donations

made by UK taxpayers. We also know the Stephens were paid a total of

more than $300,000 that year by the US arm of God TV and that they've

also received a loan from the charity of $250,000 for what are

described as relocation expenses. A spokesperson for God TV told us that

nearly half that loan towards the Stephens' house has now been paid

off with interest. It would seem that God TV's financial house is in

order and that its founders live a modest lifestyle compared to some of

their star American contributors. Christians will continue to debate

the content of its programming. It's actually really important that

people can say things that offend me and annoy me and I really don't

like. And this offends me and it annoys me. Whether they should be

allowed to say it or not is a complicated question. But God TV

says it's going to carry on doing the Lord's work in Union Street.

This is the first facility that we have had a studio and a conference

venue to allow us to broadcast the particular type of live programming

our viewers around the world enjoy. The plan is to have the building

ready by October. Then we'll know whether God TV will bring economic

salvation, at least, to Plymouth. And that is all for this week. We

are back next Monday with more stories from where you live. See you

then. Hello, I'm Ellie Crisell with your

90 second update. More flooding misery. Thousand of homes in

Berkshire and Surrey are now vulnerable as Thames river levels

reach record highs. 14 severe flood warnings are in place - meaning

lives are at risk. Full update at ten. Two men have been convicted of

helping triple killer Joanna Dennehy. Gary Stretch was found

guilty of one count of attempted murder. Leslie Leyton was convicted

of perverting the course of justice. An online drinking game has been

linked to another death. Police in Cardiff are investigating reports a

man collapsed after playing NekNominate. It's been blamed for

two deaths in Ireland. A ban on smoking in cars when children are

inside. That's what MPs have voted for in England tonight. Many health

experts support it, but critics say it's unenforceable. Scary moments

for Davina McCall. She collapsed after swimming Lake Windemere for

Sport Relief. She was carried from the water, but apparently made a

speedy recovery. There are still no Condor ferries to

France. It's day five of a strike by French workers who want their

contracts changed. Condor bosses are in St Malo negotiating with unions.

And parents at Vale Primary