What We’ve Been Working On: Exciting Projects Shaping 2026

As we approach the halfway point of 2026, we thought it would be a good opportunity to share some of the exciting projects currently underway across the practice. It’s been a busy start to the year, with both our planning and architecture teams working on a diverse mix of schemes that reflect the breadth of what we do - from complex strategic planning work to contemporary residential design.

Planning-Led Design for 2026 Projects

Our team of RTPI chartered town planning consultants is being challenged - daily - by the ever-greater complexities of the planning process. Policy continues to evolve, local authorities are under pressure, and the need for clear, strategic advice has never been greater.

Strategic planning can unlock design potential, meaning we can guide clients through this landscape with clarity, pragmatism, and a deep understanding of how to achieve your goals. 

Our architecture team, headed up by Matt Green, is currently immersed in some fascinating projects. Several new homes are progressing through detailed design, each one shaped by its landscape, its context, and the aspirations of the families and people who will one day live there. 

New Dwelling, Easton  

After a successful planning and Building Regulations process, this will be starting on site very soon - a bespoke new dwelling designed for our clients who purchased orchard land with an approval to construct a dwelling (originally via Class Q - an application we were also successful in). The house was designed to their specific requirements and will feature a host of renewable energy technologies to keep running costs to a minimum. 

Housing Development, Rode

We have been busy developing a detailed scheme for the Approval of Reserved Matters on an outline approval in Rode, near Frome (we also prepared and submitted the original outline application for approval). The small infill development has been skilfully handled to blend with the existing housing stock in terms of volume and materiality as well as dealing with the sensitive ecology present on site.

Dwelling on Mendip Hills

On a site on the elevated slopes of the highly protected Mendip Hills landscape, planning permission has been granted for a new, unrestricted dwelling, after a history of planning refusals.  The successful outcome was based on the client entering into a legal agreement to revoke residential use of a caravan on the site.  The proposed dwelling seeks to part use the steel envelope of an existing farm building to create a contemporary designed dwelling.

Housing scheme at Shaftesbury

Having secured outline planning permission on appeal in 2024, we are now progressing the reserved matters for a high-quality housing scheme on the edge of this historic Dorset market town. Drawing on our planning expertise to ensure full compliance with the appeal conditions, and combining this with our architectural creativity, we are developing a scheme that aspires to the highest standards of design and placemaking.

Dwelling of outstanding design - Langport

A local authority has resolved to grant planning permission for a 6,000 sq ft dwelling in a countryside location as an exception to normal rural restraint policies solely on the basis that the proposal achieved a standard of design held to be outstanding.  Salmon identified the site development opportunity and working with the architects achieved an outstandingly designed contemporary home.  It follows full and detailed engagement with The Design Review Panel and is a rare example of where an outstanding design can trump otherwise restrictive Planning Policies under para 139 of the National Planning Policy Framework.  The lead architect of the development from Orme Architects has since joined Salmon as our company’s Director of Architecture.

A Good Moment to Talk About Your Own Plans

With so much happening across the practice, it’s a good moment to reflect on the year so far and to look ahead to what the second half of 2026 may bring. Whether you’re at the very beginning of a project or ready to take the next step, we’re always happy to talk.

Do feel free to call us on 01749 671500 and make an appointment. We’d be delighted to welcome you for an informal chat about any planning or architectural ideas you may be exploring.

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