Planners set for prime TV slot

Planners – and the planning system – are poised to feature on prime-time television starting next week when viewers will be able to tune into a unique fly-on-the-wall documentary series on BBC One featuring the work of a number of planning departments.

The first programme (of eight) is due to be screened next Thursday (11 September) in the prime 8pm slot immediately after top soap EastEnders.
 
The series, The Planners Are Coming, will "follow the trials and tribulations of the local authority officers involved in enforcement, development and building control" according to the pre-publicity from the programme makers, IWC Media.

The programmes will feature disputes over satellite dishes, mobile phone masts, illegally-built houses, sheds and granny annexes. The issues will be resolved in each episode.

Hamish Barbour, creative director at IWC Media said: "Access has taken a hugely long time. But so far it’s proving well worth the effort."

He added: "You just wouldn’t believe what some people try and get away with. It’s funny, moving and very, very passionate."

Emma Willis, executive producer for the BBC, said: “With so many people improving their homes it’s a great time to lay bare the ups and downs of domestic planning in Britain.

"It’s full of character and, of course, conflict – just what we’re looking for in pre-watershed documentaries on BBC One."

The first episode will highlight issues handled by planners at Barnet and Barking and Dagenham Councils.

Roger Milne

4th September 2008