Grand Designs guests forced to stop renovation as viewers spot major issue

Grand Designs guests forced to stop property build

Grand Designs viewers were left on the edge of their seats as a couple's dream build hit a snag, with some fans suggesting their budget was 'unrealistic'.

The much-loved Channel 4 series made a return to our screens, with Kevin McCloud at the helm once more. In the season opener, Zahid and Ferzana embarked on an ambitious project to transform an old East Yorkshire coastguard station.

Snapping up the original property for £175k, the duo had £325k to play with and a 10-month timeline to complete their vision. Zahid shared his dream of converting the space into a three-bedroom haven for quality family time.

But the journey hit a rough patch early on when planning enforcement officers halted construction due to a lack of proper permissions, reports Devon Live.

Zahid revealed: "The builders were told that the work they were doing didn't have planning permission. The problem is that we had planning permission to watch the tower but as you can see it has been removed."

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Grand Designs has returned with a brand new series (Image: PA)

Kevin McCloud weighed in, noting: "Zahid thought by keeping the wall it would retain enough of the old building and pass it off as a renovation but the planner disagreed."

Facing the terrifying prospect of losing £200k, Zahid's fears were eventually allayed after a tense 12-week wait, finally securing the go-ahead to proceed with the renovation.

Despite the initial plan to complete the build in 10 months, the couple found themselves 19 months into the project. Viewers were quick to suggest that more time and a larger budget were needed.

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Zahid and Ferzana were at risk of losing £200k (Image: Channel 4) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Twitter user @i71Sheriff commented: "10 months and 325 grand #granddesigns", while @stryder444 noted: "They've probably already blown a quarter of the budget on this ground investigation. #granddesigns". Another viewer, @Clsyoshimoo, predicted: "Its not going to be 10 months or on budget #granddesigns".

In the end, Kevin was impressed with the finished home, although the couple admitted there were still some finishing touches to add. As viewers had predicted, they did not stay within their original budget.

Grand Designs is available to stream on Channel 4 now

Grand Designs guests forced to stop renovation as viewers spot major issue

Grand Designs guests forced to stop renovation as viewers spot major issue

Grand Designs guests forced to stop renovation as viewers spot major issue

Grand Designs guests forced to stop renovation as viewers spot major issue

Grand Designs guests forced to stop renovation as viewers spot major issue