Studio News - March 2026
At Richmond Bell, we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach to everything we do. Throughout the application process, we prioritise open and transparent communication with the local planning authorities we work alongside. We are experienced in navigating complex planning contexts, including National Landscapes (AONBs), and use tools such as 3D modelling and drone surveys to ensure our designs respond carefully to local, ecological and heritage considerations.
It is therefore particularly rewarding to see so many of our latest applications progressing successfully. In recent weeks, these have included:
New Forest National Park Planning Approval
Cabin in the Woods, New Forest: Permission received for a sustainable timber-clad home near New Milton, working with Atlas Planning
South Downs Replacement Dwelling: Permission for an eco-conscious contemporary four-bedroom home in a National Park won at appeal
Yoga Barn, Somerset: Appeal won in collaboration with Pegasus Group for the sensitive conversion of a curtilage listed barn
As specialists in the design of new homes, pool houses and barn conversions as well as the restoration of listed and heritage buildings across the South of England and London, it is always immensely gratifying to see projects that have often been months in the planning finally break ground.
So far in 2026 these include a replacement dwelling on the Dorset coast working alongside Fi Boyle Garden Design and LPE Designs, renovations to a Grade II listed home also in Dorset, and further extensions and renovations in the New Forest and Wiltshire.
We were absolutely delighted to see Richmond Bell Director James Bell’s beautiful new home, Harefield Farmhouse in East Dorset, recently featured in the Sunday Times ‘Home’ section, in an article focused on the growing trend of rural buyers favouring thoughtfully designed new-build homes with traditional character over ‘draughty period properties’.
Harefield Farmhouse was also recently featured on Archello, the global architecture and design platform.
In January, Richmond Bell associate Simon Roberts visited the Salisbury Apprenticeship Fair, where he met and spoke to dozens of young architects of the future.
It was a timely visit, as our own apprentice, Darienne Whalen, qualified as an architect at the end of 2025 after completing her Part 3 studies. We sponsored Darienne through the four-year course at the University of Portsmouth, enabling her to spend one day a week at university and four days in the office gaining hands-on professional experience.
Many congratulations, Darienne!
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