Eclipse Park, Maidstone
DHA has played a key role in the ongoing development of Eclipse Park, Maidstone, helping to secure planning permission for four industrial units, a drive-thru Costa Coffee and a five-storey Cinch self-storage facility, as well as providing transport advice for the new Marks & Spencer store.
Commercial Units
In 2024 DHA secured planning permission on behalf of Gallagher Properties for four flexible industrial units and a drive-thru Costa Coffee at Eclipse Park.
Recognising the strong demand for industrial units with good motorway access, Gallagher brought forward plans for four new flexible units, creating the potential for additional employment opportunities in Maidstone.
Designed by Maidstone-based gdm architects, the four units range in size from 4,224 sq ft to 6,443 sq ft. The design incorporates Kentish ragstone to complement its use throughout Eclipse Park, plus timber and black cladding.
The adjacent Costa Coffee occupies a 0.2 hectare plot and provides1,800sq ft of retail space with 28 car parking spaces, two disabled spaces and one waiting space.
More recently, in 2026, permission was granted for a new five storey Cinch self-storage facility, which delivers the last commercial piece of the jigsaw for Gallagher Properties. The 0.4-hectare scheme was approved following a successful appeal hearing before the Planning Inspectorate, bringing the project to fruition after several years of collaboration between DHA, gdm architects and the client.
In reaching his decision, the Inspector concluded that the development would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area, recognising the varied mix of residential and commercial uses surrounding the site. Particular weight was given to the quality of the scheme’s design, including its massing, materials, façade treatment and landscaping, which were considered sensitive to both the site and its wider surroundings.
The positive outcome is the culmination of the team’s work to present a clear and robust planning case.
Marks & Spencer
DHA also provided planning and transport advice to support the delivery of a new Marks & Spencer store at Eclipse Park.
The successful application secured permission for a two-storey, 7,808 sq m store offering clothing, household goods and food, alongside a café. The store opened in 2019 and is estimated to provide around 300 full- and part-time jobs.
DHA’s transport team supported the project through the preparation of a Transport Assessment, Travel Plan and Highway Design Report. This work included proposals for improvements to the A249 Bearsted Road/Eclipse Park signalised junction.
Together, the projects demonstrate DHA’s long-standing involvement in the successful evolution of Eclipse Park, combining strategic planning, transport expertise and design-led solutions to support investment, employment and high-quality commercial development in Maidstone.
Project Team
Jonathan is a Director leading our Gatwick office. He joined DHA in 2005 and brings more than 30 years of planning consultancy experience.
Jonathan Buckwell MRTPI PISEP
Director
Prior to joining DHA, he worked with Hepher Dixon (now Savills) in Milton Keynes and London, contributing to major regeneration projects, including the Emirates Stadium.
Jonathan works across a broad range of residential and commercial projects and has also advised local authorities on major developments, including the Manston Airport Development Consent Order.
His notable successes include securing planning permission for a major industrial complex in Nottinghamshire, an urban extension in Cornwall, a 1 million sqft medical campus in Maidstone, and a 600-space HGV park in Ashford.
In addition to his consultancy work, Jonathan also chairs Developers East Sussex, an organisation that brings together public and private sector development interests across the county. Through this role, he has engaged directly with Secretaries of State and Ministers within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on matters affecting development and economic growth.
Outside of work, Jonathan coaches a girls’ football team and enjoys the enduring highs and lows of supporting Leicester City.
Paul joined DHA in 2014 having previously worked for Kent County Council and the Department for Transport in the fields of development planning, transport policy, capital projects and public transport. Paul leads our Maidstone-based Transport Team and our public sector transport planning work.
Paul Lulham FCILT
Director
He provides advice to a range of clients throughout the UK to support the preparation of planning applications, Local Plans, transport strategies and the negotiation of developer contributions for transport infrastructure and services. He is also an experienced expert witness, having appeared at numerous Public Inquiries, Appeal Hearings and Local Plan Examinations.
Some of Paul's projects include:
- Millwall Football Club Training Ground and Academy, West Kingsdown;
- South East Maidstone Urban Expansion;
- Kent Medical Campus, Maidstone;
- Mole Valley Local Plan Transport Assessment;
- Hartopp and Lannoy Point estate regeneration, Hammersmith and Fulham;
- Chatham Waterfront and Mountbatten House, Chatham;
- Ledian Gardens Integrated Retirement Community, Maidstone;
- School of Science and Technology, Maidstone;
- Abbey Farm Primary School, Swindon.