Infinity, Ashford
Permission secured for Infinity Ashford, a major residential scheme in the heart of the town.
DHA acted on behalf of A Better Choice for Property Ltd and successfully secured permission for 207 one-, two- and three-bed apartments, as well as three commercial units. A further nine three-bed townhouses will front the River Stour as part of the scheme in the heart of Ashford.
As planning consultants for the project DHA co-ordinated the pre-application process through to the final submission. DHA also provided transport planning advice for the project and prepared and submitted a Financial Viability Appraisal in respect of the proposed development to demonstrate the maximum level of Section 106 contributions which the development can provide.
Infinity Ashford, designed by Canterbury-based On Architecture, can now be developed at the junction of Beaver Road and Avenue Jacques Faucheux, which is a short walk south of the town centre and opposite Ashford International Station.
The scheme includes three individual buildings, with the highest having 16 storeys with a rooftop restaurant offering 360-degree views of the town and surrounding countryside. A landscaped garden creates an important piece of public realm at the heart of the development and sits above two floors of car parking.
Project Team
Adam is an Associate in our Transport Planning team leading our small to medium sized projects as well as taking an active role in helping to deliver our larger Transport projects.
Adam Huckstepp BSc CIHT
Associate
Adam graduated from the University of Surrey in 2016 and had a short stint in sales before joining DHA in September 2017 as a Graduate Transport Planner. Working his way up through the DHA programme, Adam is now an Associate and helps support the training and development of our more junior transport team members.
Adam has worked on a wide range of development projects for both education and commercial developments. He has advised on the transport implications for developments via a number of documents including Transport Assessments and Transport Statements.
Born and bred in Kent, Adam is passionate about creating sustainable travel options in and around Kent whilst also looking how existing routes can be expanded upon, made more efficient and serve more people, rather then bringing in new routes which require significant subsidy and ultimately cost the Government and individuals (through tax) more money.
Some of Adam's recent clients include Fernham Homes, Pellings, Kier Construction and Redrow Homes.
Adam has a keen interest in classic cars, and restored a Mk1 Fiesta for his first car.
Alex has worked at DHA for more than 15 years and became Managing Director in 2016. Alongside overseeing the day-to-day running of the business, he remains passionate about planning and development.
Alex Hicken MRICS
Managing Director
Alex has worked at DHA for more than 15 years and became Managing Director in 2016. Alongside overseeing the day-to-day running of the business, he remains passionate about planning and development. He enjoys meeting clients, exploring opportunities, and advising on how DHA can help maximise the value of their land.
Alex began his career training as a Chartered Surveyor at BNP Paribas within their Development Consulting team, working on a variety of major housing, commercial and public-sector schemes. He joined DHA in 2010 and was promoted to Managing Director six years later.
He works across a broad range of residential and commercial projects, with key expertise in development viability, enabling development, asset optimisation, and strategic land.
Outside of work, Alex coaches a local junior rugby team.
Danielle is a Director and leads our Viability team as well as running a large caseload of planning projects.
Danielle Lawrence MRICS
Director
Danielle joined DHA in 2014 with a BSc in Real Estate from the University of Reading, having gained relevant planning & development experience through a series of placements in both the public and private sector. She qualified as a Chartered Surveyor of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2016 and has since focused on developing her career in planning and development.
During Danielle’s time at DHA, she has been involved on a number of developments including the construction of a performing arts centre and boarding house at an independent school, the restoration and extension of the Grade II* listed Leas Lift in Folkestone, care homes and student accommodation schemes.
Danielle also works closely with a number of housebuilders to deliver large scale residential-led developments across the South East.
Alongside planning, Danielle leads our viability team who specialise in providing advice on affordable housing and planning obligations. This includes advising clients on the viability of development schemes, preparing application stage Financial Viability Assessments at the and leading negotiations with local planning authorities on a range of residential and mixed-use schemes.
Emma joined DHA Planning in 2016 and has over 18 years' experience in the private sector, having previously worked for Peter Brett Associates and Barton Willmore LLP. Prior to that Emma worked at South Bucks District Council in the development management team.
Emma Hawkes MRTPI
Associate Director
Emma has a BA Hons degree in Geography from the University of Birmingham, a Master's degree in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Sheffield and is a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Emma's most recent projects include:
- Ashford Infinity Project in Ashford town centre which includes an 18 storey tower, over 200 residential units and commercial floorspace; Infinity Ashford Case Study - DHA Planning
- New visitor centre, restored walled garden and relocated car park at Ightham Mote for the National Trust;
- Residential development in the AONB in Ashford Borough;
- Local plan promotion of a site for housing in Surrey.
In addition to Emma's day to day planning work, Emma is one of DHA's Mental Health First Aider and, alongside David Bedford runs our in house Graduate Training programme.