Barnet Regeneration
Working on behalf of New Granville LLP, DHA Planning prepared a successful appeal against the refusal of planning permission for an estate regeneration project at the Granville Road Estate, Barnet.
The estate regeneration was a Council led scheme which was refused permission at Planning Committee in 2015. The proposal was for the demolition of an existing block of flats and the erection of approximately 132 new homes, access and play and communal amenity space.
Following a five day Public Inquiry the Planning Inspectorate allowed the appeal and granted planning permission for the scheme. The project will not only help to balance the tenure split of the estate but will provide substantial contributions to local community facilities and parks.
Project Team
Mathew joined DHA as one of our original graduate intake in 2004. He has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Westminster, having previously studied Geography at the University of Birmingham.
Matthew Blythin MRTPI
Director
In his time at DHA, Matthew has worked on a wide variety of projects across all sectors including large scale estate regenerations, rural housing, Local Authority infrastructure projects and industrial schemes. He has also appeared as expert planning witness on behalf of clients at Public Inquiries.
Although working across all sectors and with a wide range of experience in his time at DHA, Matthew leads our education teams in our Maidstone and Leeds offices, and has overseen many applications which have secured permission for new schools and replacement school buildings across the country. He also has particular experience working with contractor and local authority clients on leisure and infrastructure projects, including new leisure centres and multi-storey car parks.
Matt is a keen cricketer and in to all things sport, including coaching the DHA-sponsored Roseacre Raiders!
Matthew specialises in rural planning and has extensive experience in barn conversions, agricultural development, rural business growth and farm diversification projects. He is also DHA’s lead specialist on permitted development rights and point of contact on MOD projects.
Matthew Garvey MRTPI
Director
Matthew joined DHA in 2012 as a Graduate Planner, having previously worked at Kent County Council. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Geography and completed an MSc in Town Planning at the University of Brighton in 2014.
Over the course of his career at DHA, Matthew has progressed through the business, culminating in his promotion to Director in June 2026.
With more than a decade of experience in planning consultancy, Matthew advises a diverse client base ranging from major developers, contractors and landed estates to farmers, businesses and private landowners. He has successfully managed a broad spectrum of planning projects and is recognised for providing clear, commercially focused advice that helps clients navigate complex planning issues.
While his work spans multiple sectors, Matthew specialises in rural planning and has extensive experience in barn conversions, agricultural development, rural business growth and farm diversification projects. He is also DHA’s lead specialist on permitted development rights and point of contact on MOD projects. He ensures clients benefit from the latest legislative changes and opportunities.
His practical approach, detailed knowledge of planning policy and commitment to delivering results make him a trusted adviser to clients across the South East and beyond.