Direct Action

Synopsis

Series looking at building planning processes.

Planning permission isn't needed to put a shed at the end of a garden, but if it has a bathroom and a bed in it, it's a different matter. In North London the death knell sounds for an unlawful building, as the council decides they've had enough and it's time for direct action - much to the owning family's distress. Will the head of enforcement, Tim Rolt, be swayed by their sit-in protest and give the building a reprieve, or will he make sure it's demolished there and then?

A few miles away, another enforcement officer, John Ayres, is busy. Not only is he in hot pursuit of a disappearing developer who is flouting planning laws, but he's also investigating complaints about an outbuilding that's being used as a home. Ayres thought he'd seen it all before, but even he's shocked by the living conditions of a woman and her child, and calls in reinforcements.

In Essex, an elderly couple fight their neighbours' extension plans, fearing that they will put them in the shade.

Broadcasts

1. Thu 23 Oct 2008
   20:00
   BBC One (except Scotland)
2. Thu 30 Oct 2008
   01:55
   BBC One (except Northern Ireland)
3. Tue 4 Nov 2008
   01:10
   BBC One (Northern Ireland only)
4. Wed 5 Nov 2008
   20:30
   BBC One (Scotland only)