https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/, https://clmorgan15.substack.com/

C M Architectural, 15 Bridge Street, Llandeilo (2026)

10/04/2026

Books, Architects & Where to Start…

What should I be reading? And who should I be following?

It sounds simple, but with Llandeilo Literature Festival 2026 (Gŵyl Lên Llandeilo Lit Fest ) on its way, it’s had me thinking… and realising it’s not quite as straightforward as it once was.

When I first studied architecture, there were clear names to look to — “starchitects” — and equally clear books to read. You could pick up one book and feel like you understood architecture as a whole.

Now? It feels different. The conversation has shifted — less about big personalities and more about place, landscape, sustainability and the stories behind our built environment. That is something I love about this year’s Llandeilo Lit Fest, while some of the talks might not be labelled as “architecture”, they are deeply connected to it — exploring Welsh landmarks, lost buildings, community and our relationship with the environment.

Talks like Vanished Wales with Carwyn Jones, and Mark Rees’ exploration of local folklore, really highlight how architecture is woven into culture and memory. Even the idea of “cynefin” — our sense of belonging — feels central to how we design and shape spaces.

I am really pleased to be supporting the festival again this year and proud to be a sponsor in a small way. A good reminder that architecture never sits in isolation — it is part of everything around us.

And above all, I still love a good book — one you can sit down with properly, rather than scroll past on a screen and nothing beats popping into Llandeilo's newest bookshop Noisy Newt Books (), chatting to Non and having a browse.

Read more:https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/2026/04/books-architects-where-to-start-what.html

11/03/2026

✨ Substack #2 is now live! 🏡

A question I have been asked recently but get asked all the time is: “Do I need planning permission for a shed?”

It seems simple, but there are actually a few important rules to know before you start building. In the second article I break the planning rules down, including:

🔹 When a shed counts as permitted development
📏 The key height and boundary limits
🧱 What happens if you already have a concrete base
🏠 Adding a garden studio alongside an existing shed

If you are thinking about adding a shed, studio, or garden building this year, it is worth understanding the rules first — it can save a lot of time and hassle later.

💬 Not sure if your idea needs planning permission?
Feel free to get in touch with me. I am always happy to come out to have a look at your property and chat through your plans, free of charge, if you are unsure.

👉 Substack #2 is live now — take a read — and if you enjoy it please subscribe!
https://clmorgan15.substack.com/p/do-you-need-planning-permission-for?r=s869o

31/01/2026

✨ Time for a Change - A Weekend Read 🏛️

Since 2024, I have been sharing my projects on Blogspot alongside my social media. But now, it is time for something new and I have started writing on Substack (this seems to be the place to be for 2026!).

My first article is live:
Read it here: https://clmorgan15.substack.com/profile/posts

This is where I plan to explain the 'why' behind working with listed buildings, conservation areas and sensitive sites: real projects, tricky decisions, common pitfalls and why certain permissions (and consultants) are essential.

For the first article I have taken the most popular Blogspot one and given it a refresh and update;

Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas:
What’s the difference – and what does it really mean for maintenance?

If you are curious about historic buildings beyond the photos and updates, this is the place to start. I cover a couple of questions I am often asked by owners of historic buildings: As the owner of a listed building, what restrictions are there? Can't I just carry on with maintenance?
What does it actually mean to live in a conservation area—and is it the same as owning a listed building?
I have also added a little more specifically on Llandeilo Conservation Area.

If you find it useful please leave a comment and subscribe!

30/01/2026

Listed Building Works | Llandeilo | Farmhouse
🏡✨ Roof complete on this beautiful old farmhouse ... ✔✨📸

A carefully considered refurbishment has been underway, with the major element of the roof works recently completed by Joseph Donath Carpentry & Tiling . Using existing and reclaimed slates to retain the historic character of the building, alongside essential upgrades for long-term protection the roof is "now fully weather-tight, structurally sound, and ready to protect this home for decades to come."

Permission for the project was successfully secured by C M Architectural under Listed Building Consent, which also extends to a wider programme of associated maintenance to be delivered as phased works. The project has required collaboration with ecologists, ensuring all works are undertaken fully in accordance with approved bat reports and licensing timings.

A great example of traditional materials, sensitive detailing and skilled workmanship coming together to future-proof a period farmhouse – the results speak for themselves. 👏

For more head over to: https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/

22/01/2026

As January 2026 nears the end already it, feels like a good moment to reflect.

Back in 2011, RIBA predicted that by 2025 architects would need to be more than just designers of buildings—becoming trusted problem-solvers who understand a client’s wider aims.

Having now worked through 2025, I can say that prediction feels less like foresight and more like fact.

The projects I enjoy most are rarely defined by drawings alone. They are shaped by conversations, constraints, budgets, site realities, changing priorities and the need to make confident decisions at the right time. In many cases, the most valuable part of my role happens long before anything is built.

As we move into 2026, clients are facing:
• A desire for clarity early in the project
• Tighter planning regulations, with a greater focus on ecology and sustainability
• More complex approval processes
• Increasing construction costs

That is where I see the real value of good architectural support—not just in what is designed but in how the process is navigated.

Whether a project starts with a clear brief or just a question, my approach remains the same: listen carefully, understand the wider context and help shape a practical path forward.

If you are wondering where to begin in 2026, I have shared thoughts, experiences and guidance on my blog over the past year: https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/

And as always, an initial conversation is often the best place to start, so please feel free to get in touch.

09/01/2026

🌟 Kicking off the year with something truly special in Ffairfach 🌟
An Everlasting Tree for Ffairfach — A Community Project to be Proud Of

I am delighted to have played a small role in bringing the Everlasting Tree 🌳 at Cornel y Tywysog — near the newsagents in Ffairfach — from concept to reality. This is a community-led project that genuinely deserves to be celebrated 🙌

Earlier last year, I was approached by Dyffryn Cennen Community Council to help realise the vision of Delyth Beynon, former Chair, for a permanent steel tree to replace the much-loved temporary Christmas tree 🎄 that has been installed annually. The result is a lasting piece of public art 🎨 that reflects community pride, creativity and collaboration 🤝

And finally, I am pleased to share that Planning Permission has been approved!

Designed and manufactured by , the Everlasting Tree now stands as a year-round focal point for the village — and a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision ✨

Thanks to Mark Revitt for the photos 📸 Mark Revitt Photography

📝 First blog post of the year is now live:
https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/2026/01/an-everlasting-tree-for-ffairfach.html

08/12/2025

.
Construction Complete | Llandeilo | Cottage Renovation

🏡✨ Project Complete in Llandeilo ... ✔✨📸

What a journey this has been — and I am thrilled to share that this charming terrace cottage renovation in the heart of Llandeilo’s Conservation Area is officially complete.

From careful planning and navigating Conservation Area constraints to bringing three beautifully crafted storeys to life, every stage of this project has been driven by attention to detail and a commitment to retaining the cottage’s character with features thoughtfully preserved and enhanced, blending seamlessly with the new spaces created.

A huge thank you to Emma and all at Pennycook Construction for their exceptional craftsmanship and care throughout and a special shoutout to Dan, .p Daniel James Phillips, whose stunning photography truly captures the warmth, texture and charm of the finished home — inside and out. 📸✨

One of the loveliest surprises has been discovering that Emma had commissioned Kate Glanville to design and tailor-make a set of personalised mugs and plates to celebrate the property. What a thoughtful and creative idea — and such a fitting way to mark its transformation! Kate Glanville - Plates and Tiles

It has been inspiring to contribute to the fabric of Llandeilo, showing once again that sensitive, high-quality renovation is not only possible within Conservation Areas but can elevate and celebrate the town’s heritage.

And the best part?
🌿 This beautifully finished cottage will soon be available to rent for holidays — a perfect spot to enjoy the character, history and vibrancy of Llandeilo. https://12abankbuildings.co.uk/

Swipe through to see some of Dan’s incredible photos and take a look back at how it all started — especially the loft. Once a dark, cramped, and uninviting space, it is now almost unrecognisable, transformed into light and spacious additional bed, sitting and shower rooms with plenty of integrated storage. 👉🏼

Love Llandeilo

05/12/2025

Project Focus | Dinefwr | Renovation

Listed Building Permission Granted ... ✔

I am proud to share that Listed Building Permission has been granted for the renovation of a beautiful series of buildings within the historic grounds of Dinefwr Park, an important National Trust estate.

This project is lovely to be a part of — each element has its own history, character and charm, and preserving that individuality has resulted in something truly special. The restored collection form a unique family complex, giving these buildings a new chapter of life.

📘 What’s next?
We have now moved on to aligning the final element through planning and building regulations, bringing everything together ready to complete the build.

Exciting times ahead at Dinefwr! ✨

04/12/2025

Project Focus | Cross Hands | Commercial New Build

Planning Permission Granted ... ✔

🎉 I am delighted to have secured planning permission from Carmarthenshire County Council for a successful, expanding local business to build on the new Strategic Employment Site, East Industrial Estate in Cross Hands.

This one did not come easy — with many detailed considerations required during the planning stage, it has been a challenging but rewarding journey. A huge thank you to everyone involved for working through the complexities to get us over the line.

📐 What’s next?
We have already progressed with the Building Regulation drawings and the structural design is with the specialist engineers, pushing forward into the next phase. Seeing this scheme start on site can not come soon enough! 🚀

28/11/2025

Bringing The Details Together

Planning Permission Granted ... ✔

Every project comes with its own challenges and this one was no exception. The planning process submitted by the client had reached a sticking point due to the proximity of a listed property and the local authority required a clearer, more comprehensive visual to assess the proposal properly. What was missing was a single, cohesive drawing that tied everything together which is where I came in.

To move things forward, I produced a detailed composite drawing that included the elevations in relation to the existing farmhouse and its single-storey extension, the proposed design elements and the additional cladding profile and material specification requested.

By putting the essential components into one well-structured visual, the planning officer was finally able to see the full context and understand the proposal as a whole. That clarity made the difference.

I am genuinely touched that the client took the time to send a personal thank-you—and even happier to say that the planning application has now been granted.

Moments like this are why I enjoy what I do: solving problems, providing clarity and helping clients reach the finish line on projects that matter to them.

If you are facing similar planning hurdles or need drawings that bring all the details together, feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to help get your project moving again.

https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/

12/11/2025

Seeing Llandeilo with Fresh Eyes
Last week, Nathan Goss Conservation was warmly welcomed by the Llandeilo and District Civic Society and the audience that had gathered on a stormy evening, to present a fascinating talk on the architectural character of Llandeilo. His keen eye for detail and deep understanding of building design and conservation offered a new way of seeing the streets we walk every day.

The Subtle Erosion of Character
Nathan guided the audience through façade details that define the town’s charm — drawing attention to the subtle variations in windows, doors, railings and rooflines that together tell the story of Llandeilo’s development across centuries. He pointed out how changes have continued into the 21st century and that although the changes seem small in isolation — swapping wooden Georgian or Victorian sash windows for uPVC replacements, rendering over brick or stone, or removing chimneys in favour of metal flues and insertion of roof windows — these can, when accumulated over time, transform the entire appearance of a terrace, without, potentially, anyone really stopping to notice...
Keeping the Conversation Going
The Civic Society will continue to host talks that celebrate and explore Llandeilo and the surrounding area’s heritage — opportunities for everyone to enjoy, learn, share ideas and take pride in the town’s unique identity. If my review of elements of Nathan’s talk has sparked your curiosity why not consider joining the CivicSociety, attending a future event, or even volunteering your time or skills.

Together, through awareness and collaboration, we can make sure that Llandeilo’s distinctive character not only survives but thrives for generations to come.

Read it all here: https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/2025/11/are-we-at-risk-of-losing-charming.html

C M Architectural

10/04/2026

11/03/2026

31/01/2026

30/01/2026

22/01/2026

09/01/2026

08/12/2025

05/12/2025

04/12/2025

28/11/2025

12/11/2025

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