At Bondstones we specialise in 'change of use' planning and architectural design for a variety of rural scenarios.
This may include involvement in activities such as:
We also advise on resolving unlawful development, planning enforcement and a wide variety of contentious matters.
Most importantly - We love a challenge!
This may include involvement in activities such as:
- Farm diversification (changing use to serve other more beneficial purposes)
- Environmental Improvement / Mitigation
- New Agricultural & Rural Industrial buildings
- Conversions & New Build
- Agricultural Dwellings & Houses for 'Essential Workers'
- 'Temporary use' applications
- Agricultural & Rural Business support
- Equestrian, Sporting and Leisure Projects
- Provision of ancillary accommodation for family or staff
We also advise on resolving unlawful development, planning enforcement and a wide variety of contentious matters.
Most importantly - We love a challenge!
An independent perspective
If you take time to read any Local Council's Planning Department pages they will almost always include the phrase:
"Before proceeding further you should seek advice from a council planning officer..."
They will tell you that this will ensure that you:
So why not take advice from the planning department? Well; all councils have a conflicting interest in the outcome of any discussion that you have with them!
They serve the public interest - but, put bluntly; that may not be in your interest!
In every case our strongest recommendation is NOT to approach your Council first - but to take advice from a independent expert (like us - or someone equally well qualified - even if it is not us!)
Approaching the local planning authority may well be a costly mistake in the long run (*).
Fees:
Councils now (almost exclusively) charge for 'pre-planning advice' (although, to be fair, so do planning consultants) - but the Planning Officer you speak with will be forced to guide you according to council policy and will give no leeway or alternative advice as to how to resolve indiscretions or other issues that may be exposed. In short, by discussing your application plans too early - you could open yourself up to a host of problems which may well be resolved through an 'alternative' independent strategy.
Importantly, despite charging a fee for their pre-planning advise 'service', Councils are not bound by the advice they give!
At Bondstones, we approach every client and project with a fresh, impartial and unbiased position. Granted our advice will not be the same as that which the council give (with good reason) - but of that advice is instrumental to your long-term success - so be it!
Before you make contact with our team, please rest assured that we have access to the same systems (in fact more so), the same planning policies and technical information, in addition we have a far more proactive and commercial approach to planning than any council officer will ever be able to offer...
In short - before you approach the council - speak with us!
"Before proceeding further you should seek advice from a council planning officer..."
They will tell you that this will ensure that you:
- could avoid costly mistakes* and save time
- can understand council policy and specialist areas that apply to your development
- identify potential problems early on and find solutions
- get advice about how to improve your scheme
So why not take advice from the planning department? Well; all councils have a conflicting interest in the outcome of any discussion that you have with them!
They serve the public interest - but, put bluntly; that may not be in your interest!
In every case our strongest recommendation is NOT to approach your Council first - but to take advice from a independent expert (like us - or someone equally well qualified - even if it is not us!)
Approaching the local planning authority may well be a costly mistake in the long run (*).
Fees:
Councils now (almost exclusively) charge for 'pre-planning advice' (although, to be fair, so do planning consultants) - but the Planning Officer you speak with will be forced to guide you according to council policy and will give no leeway or alternative advice as to how to resolve indiscretions or other issues that may be exposed. In short, by discussing your application plans too early - you could open yourself up to a host of problems which may well be resolved through an 'alternative' independent strategy.
Importantly, despite charging a fee for their pre-planning advise 'service', Councils are not bound by the advice they give!
At Bondstones, we approach every client and project with a fresh, impartial and unbiased position. Granted our advice will not be the same as that which the council give (with good reason) - but of that advice is instrumental to your long-term success - so be it!
Before you make contact with our team, please rest assured that we have access to the same systems (in fact more so), the same planning policies and technical information, in addition we have a far more proactive and commercial approach to planning than any council officer will ever be able to offer...
In short - before you approach the council - speak with us!
Get in touch todayBondstones' specialist planning team are more than happy to take your call and provide impartial advice on any pressing or up-coming matters. Alternatively please contact us and we will get in touch with you at a convenient time. Call the planning team today: 0845 544 1990 Key Contacts: Ian Firth Sarah Henderson |
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Areas Covered
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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 |
Bondstones is a regulated firm of Chartered Surveyors - specialising in change of use planning, Architectural Design and "Town & Country Planning" matters (with a core emphasis on "country"!). Our head-office is based in the West-Country and we typically work in the geographical areas between Lands End and London. However, on occasion, we also work further afield...
We are extremely proud to be 'Regulated by the 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 "quote high and bill low - providing valuable advice and exceptional design - which should delight our clients at every opportunity"
We are extremely proud to be 'Regulated by the 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 "quote high and bill low - providing valuable advice and exceptional design - which should delight our clients at every opportunity"
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We generally undertake work for:
* 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: enquiries@bondstones.co.uk 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 |
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© 2012 -2022 - All Rights Reserved - Bondstones 1990 Ltd
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Website by Bondstones
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