Hever Castle
An ambitious expansion project that will safeguard public access to an internationally-renowned Grad I-listed castle has been given the go-ahead.
Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later owned by William Waldorf Astor, is now able to upgrade its accommodation and hospitality offering, thanks to the planning expertise of DHA.
From a planning perspective, it doesn't get more complex, involving a 600-year-old Grad I listed heritage asset - with the added complication of being located within the Metropolitan Green Belt, the High Weald National Landscape and a flood zone - all of which meant careful and considered planning advice was required.
DHA secured unanimous support from Sevenoaks District Council's Development Management Committee. As well as delivering new hotel accommodation, the scheme will create underground spa facilities, a new restaurant and retail facilities. Finally, a new dedicated building will house the relocated Miniature Houses Exhibition.
Project Team
David is a Director at DHA and leads a planning team working on a range of projects. He has a particular interest in residential projects, local plans and using his extensive knowledge and experience on all matters relating to the Green Belt and AONB.
David Bedford MRTPI
Director
David has worked in the planning industry for 20 years in a mix of local authority and private consultancy roles. He has an Undergraduate degree in Urban and Environmental Planning and a Post Graduate Diploma and Master's degree in Town Planning. David's areas of expertise include Green Belt/AONB development and Local Plan promotion.
Some of his recent projects include:
- Securing consents for 45 homes at Copper's Lane, Matfield (AONB)
- Securing residential consent at Salts Farm Fawkham at appeal (Green Belt very special circumstances)
- Securing consent for the major commercial redevelopment of Preston Farm, Shoreham (Green Belt and AONB)
In addition David, with the support of Emma Hawkes, leads DHA's in house Graduate Training Programme to ensure our graduates are trained to the highest standards.
Matthew joined DHA on a year in industry in 2018 before returning as a graduate following the completion of his degree at Exeter university. Matthew completed a Masters in Town and Country Planning at London South Bank University and gained Chartership status in April 2025 and is now a member of the RTPI.
Matthew Porter BSc
Associate
Matthew was promoted to Associate in June 2026.
He primarily works with David Bedford and Emma Hawkes on a variety of residential and commercial schemes across Kent, Sussex and South London and specialises in policy related matters including local plan promotion, housing supply issues and development within the Green Belt.