Tonight, on Channel 4, “Grand Designs” continues with its 19th series and is one of a few property programmes that has stood the test of time since its first airing in 1999.
If you’re like us, at Hogan’s, you may watch it avidly but what’s interesting about Kevin McCloud’s opinions at the start of this series is that the worst place to buy a house is not in a particular country, city or town but in a location – specifically a flood plain.
You might recall the tragic incident of the man in Hull who died in a flood in a manhole cover or the floods that affected Doncaster and, even closer to Leeds, York annually and you may nod in agreement.
Businesses and residents were deeply affected when the river Aire burst its banks on Boxing Day three years ago and devastated Kirkstall Road.
Kevin McCloud also counsels against rising energy costs and claims that we should all be looking for greener ways to heat properties or buying modern homes, whose efficiency exceeds those properties so common in Leeds from Victorian times.
The problem with this rationale is that new builds, with new drives, block paved or asphalt roads, add to flood risks?
If water can’t soak away, the drains (as in the Hull tragedy) can’t cope, and floods occur.
Let’s see what happens tonight and with Channel 4 potentially relocating to Leeds, we’re happy to promote the channel!
Teaser – in Grand Designs two identical twins will build similar houses next door to each other.
They hope to build two houses for the price of one, on a tight budget.
Grand Designs is on at 9pm on Channel 4 tonight.
