Planning permission

In 1975-ish, I noticed a small ancient stone-built ruin of a cottage in a field not far from our house. It was about 200 yards away, and I thought it would make the most wonderful Garconniere for my oldest son, Kimbo. 

The cottage later proved to be about 300 years old, and had simply been allowed to fall into disrepair. It had only half a roof, the downstairs had an earth floor, and it had neither water nor electricity. It was a RUIN.

However, it obviously had 'possibilities'. It had a wonderful huge fireplace, an old stone sink, and its position overlooking perfect countryside was spectacular. I bought it.

Then came the question of renovation; with all that that involved. I won't go into details, but getting planning permission was long and arduous. When eventually it came through, it stated that the finished work must be covered all over with 'cement rendering'. As you can imagine; I ignored that bit!

It should be noted here that it is very common for a Frenchman to take a lovely ancient house, and turn it into a modern-looking 1950's monstrosity. They seem to hate 'age', and old features.

Now, some 50 years later, it is our own little home (we sold the other one), that Kimbo also adores.

Planning permissions are usually long, drawn-out, processes. When I converted our old Tobacco Drying Barn, it wasn't too bad, and everything went quite smoothly. I'm rather sorry that we don't still own it.

Here in the UK, planning rules are very strict, and you dare not put a foot wrong.

This below is a classic example. A Romanian named Daniel Toma built this 'Garage' onto the side of his house without any permission, and has been told to take it down. He is refusing.

Well, that might be OK in Romania Mr Toma, but not in Hertfordshire, where his neighbours have all gone crazy. I think you'll agree that it's an eyesore! Occasionally 'planning permission' is essential; and occasionally is also CORRECT.