Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Surveyors & Architects in Taunton
Bondstones is a regulated firm of Chartered Surveyors and Architects with over three decades of experience in rural planning, architectural design, and property consultancy. Established in 1990, we specialise in sustainable rural development, change of use planning, and architectural solutions tailored to the unique challenges of countryside properties. Our team combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of rural markets, offering objective advice and innovative design services to farmers, estate managers, and private property owners.We prioritise transparency, ethical practice, and client satisfaction, ensuring projects align with both regulatory requirements and environmental stewardship. With offices in Taunton and regional coverage across the South West and beyond, we deliver market-leading results through a commitment to quality, creativity, and pragmatic problem-solving.
Services
Planning Applications
Architectural Design
Change of Use Planning
Barn Conversions
Rural Development Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We are RICS-regulated Chartered Surveyors with 30+ years of rural development expertise
- Specialise in complex permitted development and change of use applications
- Use 3D architectural design tools for clear planning visualisation
- Offer objective pre-application advice with no hidden fees
- Successfully handle appeals and enforcement challenges for rural properties
Associations and certifications
- RICS
What people say
Exceptional results
Professional approach
Innovative solutions
Strong local knowledge
Reliable guidance
Services
Planning Applications
We prepare and submit comprehensive planning applications for rural developments, including permitted development rights and complex change of use proposals. Our team navigates local authority requirements to maximise approval chances while addressing ecological, landscape, and design considerations. Clients benefit from our proven track record in securing permissions for challenging rural sites.
Architectural Design
Our architectural services specialise in rural building conversions and new developments using advanced 3D design tools. We create practical, sustainable designs that respect heritage while meeting modern needs, with expertise in listed buildings and off-grid eco-housing solutions across Devon, Somerset, and beyond.
Change of Use Planning
We advise on permitted development rights and formal change of use applications for commercial-to-residential conversions, agricultural diversification, and tourism ventures. Our approach balances regulatory compliance with commercial viability for barn conversions and rural business units.
Barn Conversions
Specialist guidance for converting agricultural buildings under Class Q and other permitted development schemes. We manage the full process from pre-application discussions to planning approval, ensuring designs meet habitability standards while preserving rural character.
Rural Development
Comprehensive consultancy for rural property projects including farm diversification, new dwellings, and tourism enterprises. We address unique challenges of isolated sites within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty while maintaining sustainable development principles.
People
Ian Firth
Managing Director
With 30+ years in rural planning, Ian leads Bondstones' strategic direction. He specialises in complex permitted development cases and has pioneered innovative approaches to rural housing solutions across the South West.
Stuart Woodward
Architectural Director
Stuart heads architectural services, combining traditional surveying skills with digital design innovation. His expertise in 3D visualisation helps clients and planners understand complex rural development proposals.
Jennifer Craig
Architectural Technician
Jennifer supports architectural projects with technical drawings and planning submissions. She plays a key role in converting design concepts into detailed plans that meet regulatory requirements.
Questions
What planning services do you offer?
We handle all aspects of rural planning including permitted development, change of use applications, barn conversions, and planning appeals across Southern England.
Do you work outside the South West?
While based in Taunton, we work across the UK for specialist rural projects between Lands End and London, with occasional nationwide assignments.
Can you help with listed building projects?
Yes, we specialise in sympathetic architectural design for heritage buildings and have extensive experience with listed property alterations and conversions.
What architectural services do you provide?
Our services include 3D design visualisation, new build projects, rural conversions, and building regulation compliance for residential and commercial properties.
How do you charge for initial advice?
We offer objective pre-application advice at competitive rates, with transparent pricing discussed before starting any work.
Are you regulated professionals?
Yes, we're a RICS-regulated practice of Chartered Surveyors with full professional indemnity insurance and strict adherence to ethical standards.
