By Louisa Barnett
Hertsmere planning chiefs have cut permission for the lease of the Big Brother house by six months, it was revealed this week.
Endemol, the company which makes the show, applied to Hertsmere Borough Council for permission to stay on site at Elstree Studios on Shenley Road for another two years from January 2006.
But, after lengthy discussions with concerned residents and councillors after problems with rowdy housemates this year, they have decided to grant the two years starting from the end of this month, rather than January.
There will also be a full review of the management plan after one year which will now include extra measures such as a step-up in security for surrounding roads, and stricter rules imposed on housemates to reduce noise levels at night and in the early morning.
Chris Lewcock, area team leader in the council's planning department, said: "It's difficult because it has to be a compromise for allowing Endemol the long-term use of the studios and meeting the requirements of the local residents.
"In previous years, Endemol have achieved this compromise but more problems have arisen this year because of the rowdiness of the housemates."
Since Sunday, the council has received numerous complaints of noise upon the arrival of new housemate, Kinga Karolczak, who was brought into the house last Sunday after contestant Orlaith McAllister walked out.
Mr Lewcock added: "She has created a lot of noise early in the morning and we need to make sure bosses discipline them in an attempt to combat this problem."
Complaints also flooded in about lewd sexual acts she performed in the garden on Tuesday night's show.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: "Kinga's antics were broadcast after the watershed and as always with Big Brother, there was a voice over at the beginning of the programme to warn viewers of the sexual nature of some scenes."
11:16am today
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