Protecting Castle Combe — village and countryside, for the long term
Castle Combe Collective is an independent, volunteer-led community group supporting residents, landowners and neighbours who wish to engage constructively with matters affecting Castle Combe and the surrounding countryside. We provide a forum for informed discussion, community participation and engagement on planning, heritage and environmental issues.
Castle Combe is a living village — home to families, businesses and a community that cares deeply about its future. It is not simply a backdrop or a destination; it is a place with a unique character, heritage and landscape that have been shaped and cared for over generations.
The village sits within a designated conservation area and is surrounded by countryside that includes areas of recognised environmental importance. These protections reflect the value of this place and the responsibility we all share in looking after it.
The Collective exists to help that care continue. We monitor planning matters, share information, encourage informed discussion and support residents who wish to engage with decisions that may affect the village and its surroundings.
We are not opposed to thoughtful stewardship or the responsible use and improvement of land, buildings and shared spaces. Our role is not to prevent change, but to help ensure that change is thoughtful, transparent and respectful of the village's character and the people who call it home.
Through open and constructive dialogue, we aim to ensure that the views of residents and the wider community are properly heard, and that decisions affecting Castle Combe's future are made with care, balance and respect for the place we all value.
The Conservation Area
Limestone cottages, traditional stone-tiled roofs and the historic medieval street pattern — protected from unsympathetic alteration to preserve Castle Combe's distinctive character.
The By Brook & its valley
The By Brook, its water meadows and wooded valley setting — a landscape of high ecological and scenic value, with nationally recognised environmental protection.
Heritage & the village landmarks
St Andrew's Church, the medieval market cross and the historic bridges over the By Brook — the features that anchor Castle Combe's medieval identity.
Planning Watch
Add your voice to the village's.
Membership is free and open to residents, landowners and neighbours. By bringing together people who care about Castle Combe's future, we can help ensure local perspectives are heard and considered.