BONDSTONES - Rural Planning & Architectural Consultants
  • Who
    • Meet the team >
      • Accounts & Management >
        • Fuchsia Harmon - PA to Management
        • Melissa Carpenter - Accounts
        • Ian Firth - MD
      • Rural Planning >
        • Sarah Henderson - Rural Planner & Regional Business Manager
        • Annalise Page - Assistant Planner
      • Architectural Services >
        • Jennifer Craig - Architectural Technician
        • Ian Firth - Development Director / MD
  • What
    • Fixed price - Site Specific Advice
    • Chartered Surveyors
    • Architecture >
      • Architectural Services
      • CDM 2015 Services >
        • CDM Upload
      • Building Regulations
    • Planning Services >
      • Independent Planning Advice
      • Pre-App Advice
      • Permitted Development >
        • Class MA - permitted change of use; commercial premises to dwelling houses
        • Class Q Conversions
        • Class R Conversions
        • Class ZA - New dwellings - demolition and replacement of commercial buildings
        • 28 Day notice
        • Temporary Land Uses
      • Change of Use Planning
      • Agricultural Planning
      • Farm & Rural Diversification
    • Glamping & Alternative Accommodation
    • Other Professional Services >
      • Property Consultancy
      • Surveys
  • Where
    • Blackdown Hills
    • Cornwall National Landscape
    • Cranborne Chase National Landscape
    • Dorset National Landscape
    • East Devon National Landscape
    • North Devon Coast
    • Quantock Hills
    • South Devon National Landscape
    • Tamar Valley
  • How
    • Our Mission
    • Testimonials
    • Provision of Services >
      • Deposit Tariff
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Disbursements Policy
  • Recruitment
    • Wanted! >
      • Senior Planner
      • Rural Planner - Specialist
      • Architectural Assistant (Pt 2)
    • Recent Appointments >
      • Apprentice Architectural Technician / Surveyor
    • Notice to agencies
  • Examples, Sites & Consultations
    • Case Study: H²Ouse
    • PLANNING CONSULTATIONS >
      • Somerset Call For Sites 2025
    • Old Mill - Case Study (about us!)
  • Contact us
    • New Project Enquiry

Planning & Architectural Design Services for:
​
Cranborne Chase & The ​West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape
Formerly the Cranborne Chase & The ​West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Planning for development in or around Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs

The landscape and beauty of Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs ​is a protected landscape, when making a decision all public bodies and statutory undertakers take into consideration the National Landscape status of the area and the effect the proposed plan will have on the landscape, flora and species in the area before coming to a decision.  ​

It is important to note the the Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape are not a planning authority, and therefore cannot intervene on small applications, and so individual planning enquiries should be taken up with the local planning authority. The Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape  only acts as an adviser to the local planning authorities, but unlike National Park Authorities, they do not prepare statutory planning documents or determine planning applications.

The National Landscape partnership are consulted on a variety of planning applications that are likely to have a significant impact on the National Landscape and features, or which would set a precedent. However, they do not tend to comment on applications which have a limited impact, residential extensions for example.

Branding confusion: AONB's vs National Landscapes

Despite serving its purpose for decades, in the Autumn of 2023 the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designation was rebranded by Government to 'National Landscape'...

Following the Glover Review and years of internal consultations before the rebrand was implemented - many who live and work in (and are directly affected by) the designated areas have questioned the purpose and benefit of the rebranding exercise - although they are assured that the branding will have a 'positive effect' on national recognition and 'funding opportunities' - needless to say Bondstones are working for our clients to find access the latter!

In planning terms "Article 2(3) land" is designated land referenced in various statute and planning legislation - it includes National Parks, The Broads and 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty' - the wording has not yet been updated to reflect the rebrand... Applicants are guided that AONB & NL designations are (for the time being) one and the same - and seem to be set for interchangeable use for some time to come.

Seek Independent Planning and Architectural Advice...

​If you have any questions about how an area's National Landscape (AONB) designation may influence your future plans, the local National Landscape Partnership are generally obliged to recommend that you contact the Local Planning Authority for 'pre-app advice'...

Needless to say, if you are still unsure about how to take your proposal to the next stage, or if there is anything that you'd prefer not to disclose to the local authority, we would strongly encourage you to take advice from an independent expert before approaching your planning department!
Find out more about
​Pre-app advice here

​The Bondstones team are experts in planning and architecture for rural projects - especially in protected and designated areas.  The landscape protection does raise the bar for planning and design - however achieving results is far from impossible.  Our specialists are available for informal advice and are happy to impart our knowledge from the earliest stage of any project - whether this be for a new farm house, a diversification project, glamping site or even a bespoke new isolated dwelling...  

Do feel free to call our team for initial impartial advice - we are confident that our colleagues expertise will shine through and we look forward to working with you in delivering fantastic results.

Contact our ​local team on: ​01264 513 813 ​

About
Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape

The Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs have been protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1981.
​

The National Landscape of ​Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs was established in 1981 and is responsible for conserving and maintaining this protected area that in 2009 was identified by the  Forestry Commission an Ancient Woodland Priority Area, and has the same level of protection as a National Park.

The landscape of Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire downs is remarkably varied, ranging from scarp chalk slopes and streams, to vast open plains of flora, to centuries old forests that are home to over 160 species of lichen. In September 2015 this area applied to be recognised as one of the few remaining Dark Night Sky areas in England, giving it the title and recognition as an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it essential to keep the (light) pollution in this area down, so the starry skies of this National Landscape can be seen and appreciated for many years to come.

This special place is home to wildlife and people, with valuable habitats existing alongside living, working communities. Unique geology creates an exceptional environment where rare plant, insect, bird and mammal species can flourish.

Useful Links

https://cranbornechase.org.uk/

Local Planning Authority Contacts;

Wiltshire Council

County Hall,
Bythesea Rd,
Trowbridge,
Wiltshire
BA14 8JN

0300 4560100
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/

Dorset Council

County Hall,
Colliton Park,
Dorchester
DT1 1XJ

​
01305 221000
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/​

Hampshire County Council

The Castle,
Winchester,
Hampshire
​SO23 8UJ

0300 555 1389
http://www.hants.gov.uk/

Somerset Council

County Hall,
The Crescent,
Taunton, Somerset
TA1 4DY

​0300 123 2224
http://www.somerset.gov.uk/
Areas Covered
01823 210 610
​Devon - Somerset - Dorset
​01326 727 828
Cornwall
​01452 234 934
Severn Counties
​01264 513 813
Hants & Wilts
01372 897 697
​Home Counties

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Regulated by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Bondstones is a regulated firm of Chartered Surveyors - specialising in Change of Use, Architectural Design and "Town & Country Planning" matters (with a core emphasis on "country"!).  Our head-office is conveniently located in the heart of the West-Country and we typically work in the geographical areas between Lands End and London.  However, on occasion, we also work farther afield...

We are extremely proud to be 'Regulated by RICS' - this means we are a professionally qualified and regulated practice - bound by a code of conduct, strict rules and regulations. This means that we will only undertake work which is directly within our field(s) of expertise and that we are also fully insured (both Professional Indemnity and Public / Employers Liability).

Our team are passionate about architecture and the countryside, its' sustainable future and re-use of rural buildings:  We offer our professional expertise to satisfy a range of rural property issues, including (but not limited to) Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design / Architecture.  Our primary interest is in the delivery of sustainable projects - and particularly the 'change of use' / modification of buildings & land.

Despite our cutting edge offer and market leading output, our services are available to all of our customers at surprisingly low rates - especially compared to our competitors.  OK, its true to say you will always find someone cheaper... but isn't that always the way!

Our philosophy is to provide objective advice from the outset - indeed may of our new clients are amazed at the level of advice that we offer at first contact... Our overriding mission is to provide valuable advice and exceptional design - which should delight our clients at every opportunity

We generally undertake work for:
  • Farmers & Farm Businesses
  • Rural Estates / Estate Managers
  • Equestrian Properties & Businesses
  • Home / Property Owners*
  • Tourism Entrepreneurs
  • Countryside Attractions & Recreation Sites

* Please note that 'small' extensions are not really our cup of tea... However if necessary we would be happy to refer you to a suitable 3rd party specialist.

That said, large, unique extensions and complete 'one off' domestic overhauls really do float our boat... so please get in touch!
The 'Contact Us' bit:
Call us: 01823 210610
Email us: [email protected]

The 'Legal' bit:
Bondstones (1990) Limited - Registered in England No. 8970430

Registered Address:
Hestercombe House
Cheddon Fitzpaine
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8LG


"Bondstones" is a Registered Trademark used under licence.
Reg'd: UK00003049388
​© 2012 -2025 - All  Rights Reserved - Bondstones 1990 Ltd

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Website by Bondstones
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Photo from MarilynJane
  • Who
    • Meet the team >
      • Accounts & Management >
        • Fuchsia Harmon - PA to Management
        • Melissa Carpenter - Accounts
        • Ian Firth - MD
      • Rural Planning >
        • Sarah Henderson - Rural Planner & Regional Business Manager
        • Annalise Page - Assistant Planner
      • Architectural Services >
        • Jennifer Craig - Architectural Technician
        • Ian Firth - Development Director / MD
  • What
    • Fixed price - Site Specific Advice
    • Chartered Surveyors
    • Architecture >
      • Architectural Services
      • CDM 2015 Services >
        • CDM Upload
      • Building Regulations
    • Planning Services >
      • Independent Planning Advice
      • Pre-App Advice
      • Permitted Development >
        • Class MA - permitted change of use; commercial premises to dwelling houses
        • Class Q Conversions
        • Class R Conversions
        • Class ZA - New dwellings - demolition and replacement of commercial buildings
        • 28 Day notice
        • Temporary Land Uses
      • Change of Use Planning
      • Agricultural Planning
      • Farm & Rural Diversification
    • Glamping & Alternative Accommodation
    • Other Professional Services >
      • Property Consultancy
      • Surveys
  • Where
    • Blackdown Hills
    • Cornwall National Landscape
    • Cranborne Chase National Landscape
    • Dorset National Landscape
    • East Devon National Landscape
    • North Devon Coast
    • Quantock Hills
    • South Devon National Landscape
    • Tamar Valley
  • How
    • Our Mission
    • Testimonials
    • Provision of Services >
      • Deposit Tariff
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Disbursements Policy
  • Recruitment
    • Wanted! >
      • Senior Planner
      • Rural Planner - Specialist
      • Architectural Assistant (Pt 2)
    • Recent Appointments >
      • Apprentice Architectural Technician / Surveyor
    • Notice to agencies
  • Examples, Sites & Consultations
    • Case Study: H²Ouse
    • PLANNING CONSULTATIONS >
      • Somerset Call For Sites 2025
    • Old Mill - Case Study (about us!)
  • Contact us
    • New Project Enquiry