Eastwood Observatory
Eastwood Observatory: Heritage-led refurbishment and observatory conversion within the High Weald National Landscape.
Eastwood Observatory, sitting within an AONB (now renamed National Landscapes), near Herstmonceux in Wealden, has been the subject of a £1.2m refurbishment programme following a change of use from residential to holiday lets.
DHA has helped take the business to the next level, after securing permission to convert existing outbuildings into an observatory and meeting spaces in the style of a traditionally constructed orangery. The main building draws on the architectural inspiration of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.
The proposals included steps to limit light pollution, spillage and glare to comply with dark skies guidance as the site sits within the High Weald AONB.
DHA successfully argued that the converted building should closely match the style of the main house, rather than take a more traditional Wealden approach as is normally required in the High Weald.
Project Team
Lauren joined DHA as a graduate planner in August 2022, bringing experience from her previous role as a land consultant at Mott MacDonald. She holds a degree in Town and Country Planning from London South Bank University.
Lauren Sinden MSc
Senior Planner
Based in our Gatwick office, Lauren is currently working on a range of residential, commercial and education projects alongside colleagues Jonathan Buckwell, Mark Bewsey and Hannah Young.
With a strong background in preparing and coordinating major planning applications and appeals, Lauren was promoted to Senior Planner in January 2026.
Mark is a Planning Director within the DHA's Gatwick office and regularly leads the promotion of major schemes through the planning system.
Mark Bewsey MRTPI
Director
Stemming from a background working in-house at housebuilders Countryside and Crest Nicholson, Mark has developed particular expertise in residential schemes across the South East. This has involved giving evidence at Public Inquiry and Examinations in Public, the formulation of major planning applications and the submission of Local Plan representations. Mark regularly leads large multi-disciplinary schemes and works with leading Counsel.
Recent projects have included:
- An appeal for 700 houses, a primary school, medical centre, community facilities and 8,600sq.m of employment floorspace in Polegate (Wealden District) for which Mark was the Planning Expert Witness including giving evidence at the Public Inquiry
- Achieving consent for 140 houses in Hastings on behalf of the modular housebuilder ilke Homes
- Achieving Reserved Matters approval and assisting with the implementation of a major strategic site on the edge of Maidstone
- The promotion of a major residential site through a Neighbourhood Plan, achieving an allocation for 360 dwellings
Key clients include Bellway Homes, Countryside, ilke Homes, Mactaggart & Mickel, Obsidian Strategic, Stonebond, Vistry and Workman. Mark is currently promoting major residential and mixed use schemes across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Aside from residential work, Mark has a wide degree of experience in Commercial and Educational projects, including sport and leisure related projects. Recently this has included advising on large commercial schemes across the UK and an office tower in Croydon.
Mark has been a full member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 2010.