The Elstree Studios have been granted planning permission to retain the buildings used for the filming of TV show, Big Brother.

Hertsmere Borough Council gave the go ahead to plans to retain 30 portable cabins, which house staff working on the programme, for another two years.

Permission was also given for the retention of Tarmac footpaths and a scaffolding tower at the Shenley Road site.

Permission was granted, according to the planning documents, because: “The Big Brother House television programme has played a significant part of the continued operation of the studios and helps to support a key place for employment within the borough.”

The planning documents show that it was felt that: “The proposal would have no detrimental effects to the residential amenities of neighbouring properties nor cause any undue effects to the safety and operation of the adjacent highway.

“The proposal would also not cause detriment to existing trees and landscaping as well as the visual amenities of the surrounding area.”

Local residents did not register any concerns when the proposal was being considered.

However, the buildings will have to be removed when the two years is up.

The planning documents state: “The portable cabins and ancillary works hereby permitted shall be removed in their entirety and the land reinstated in accordance with a scheme of works and timetable to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

“The removal and reinstatement works shall be undertaken within one month of this approval.”

Maurice Bright, chairman of the board of directors at the studios, said: "Both the studios and Hertsmere have had a long relationship with Big Brother and I am glad it was thought the relationship was strong enough to retain the programme.

"Any productions we can get into the studios will benefit Hertsmere so I'm glad the studios managed to address any concerns residents had about the plans and that permission was granted."