Kingsnorth Green, Ashford
DHA appointed to lead the planning inquiry to secure 550 new homes.
Having taken the decision to go to appeal on the grounds of non-determination, Pentland Homes and Jarvis Homes appointed DHA to lead the planning inquiry to secure 550 new homes at Kingsnorth Green, on land south of Ashford.
The case for the 126-acre site had been held up in part by the nutrient neutrality issue. After collating and submitting all the evidence, DHA presented the detailed planning case to the Planning Inspector. The team’s viability review demonstrated that a number of the Section 106 legal tests had not been met, reducing or removing some of the obligations, resulting in a reduction of affordable housing from 30% to 10%.
At the end of the inquiry, it took the Inspector only two and half weeks to make a decision and rule in favour of the housebuilders.
Project Team
Chris is a Director at DHA, leading one of the firm's residential planning teams. He specialises in the promotion and delivery of strategic residential developments, with a particular passion for creating sustainable communities that respond to local needs.
Chris Hawkins MRTPI
Director
Chris is a Director at DHA, leading one of the firm's residential planning teams. He specialises in the promotion and delivery of strategic residential developments, with a particular passion for creating sustainable communities that respond to local needs.
Chris joined DHA in 2014 after 14 years working in planning at two local authorities in Kent, bringing extensive public and private sector experience.
Since joining DHA, Chris has successfully led a diverse range of projects, including:
- Promoting large-scale residential developments.
- Securing the submission of a 2,500-home strategic development in North Kent.
- Representing clients at major Public Inquiries and Local Plan Independent Examinations.
- Managing planning applications ranging from householder proposals to major mixed-use schemes, including a 1,000,000 sq ft employment development, listed building regeneration, high-specification residential schemes, and town centre regeneration projects.
- Securing planning permission for significant commercial, healthcare, and community developments, including the Community Care Hub at Greensand Place, Coxheath.
Chris combines strong technical planning expertise with extensive experience navigating complex planning processes, helping to deliver high-quality developments that create lasting benefits for communities.
Oonagh joined DHA in Summer 2019 as a Geography MA Graduate and has completed her Masters in Town Planning from London South Bank University.
Oonagh Kerrigan BA MA
Associate
Oonagh works in the planning team and is involved in a wide range of projects with a particular focus on residential and mixed-use developments. Some of her recent schemes include:
- Wises Lane, Sittingbourne
- Land at Church Road, Otham
- Eureka Park, Ashford
- Paddock Wood Community Centre
Oonagh was promoted to Associate in January 2025.