Channel 4 Grand Designs halts property build as viewers blast 'unrealistic' budget

Grand Designs guests were forced to stop their property build and viewers were quick to point out that they may have an ‘unrealistic’ budget.

The Channel 4 hit show has returned to our TV screens for a brand new series as Kevin McCloud took on hosting duties. During the first episode, Zahid and Ferzana were on a mission to replace an old coastguard station on an exposed East Yorkshire.

The couple purchased the property for £175k and had a budget of £325k and estimated that it would take them 10 months to finish the project.

Zahid explained that he was hoping to turn it into a three bedroom house that can be used for them to spend more time with their family.

Kevin McCloud
Grand Designs has made a return to our TV screens -Credit:PA

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However things weren’t off to a good start as they were forced to put a stop to the build after planning enforcements shut down the sight because they didn’t have planning permission.

Zahid explained: “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.”

Kevin went on to say: “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.”

Zahid admitted that it was “frightening” as he was at risk of losing £200k but after 12 weeks he was finally given permission to finish the renovation.

Zahid and Ferzana
Zahid and Ferzana were at risk of losing £200,000 -Credit:Channel 4

Despite being able to start building again, the job proved to be bigger than expected as they were now 19 months into what was expected to be a 10 month schedule.

Viewers were quick to point out that the couple needed more time and a bigger budget. @i71Sheriff 10 months and 325 grand #granddesigns

@stryder444 They've probably already blown a quarter of the budget on this ground investigation. #granddesigns @Clsyoshimoo Its not going to be 10 months or on budget #granddesigns

In the end, Kevin was left impressed as the couple managed to finish the home however they admitted that they still had some finishing touches to add before they can be fully satisfied. But as viewers predicted they didn’t stay within their budget.

Grand Designs continues on Channel 4