DHA Planning Celebrates Double Success with Two RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 Shortlists

Recognising Excellence in Planning

 

Now in their 49th year, the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are among the most prestigious accolades in the planning profession. The awards celebrate outstanding plans, projects, people and organisations that make a positive contribution to communities and the places where people live, work and visit.

 

Having projects shortlisted in both the South East and London regions is a significant achievement and reflects DHA's commitment to delivering high-quality planning solutions that balance sustainability, heritage, community benefit and long-term growth. 

 

This recognition highlights the important role planning plays in creating exceptional places, and also reflects the breadth of DHA's expertise - from the sensitive enhancement of the nationally significant heritage asset, Ightham Mote in Kent, to the delivery of The Compass School in London, a specialist school for young people with additional needs.

 

Ightham Mote Visitor Reception and Shop

 

The National Trust's Ightham Mote Visitor Reception and Shop was shortlisted in the Best Project category of the RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.

 

As one of England's most important medieval manor houses, Ightham Mote presents a unique planning and conservation challenge. The project successfully delivered a carefully considered enhancement to the visitor experience while respecting and preserving the site's exceptional heritage significance and landscape setting.

 

The scheme replaced temporary visitor facilities with a purpose-built reception and shop, sensitively integrated within the restored Walled Garden. In doing so, it has improved accessibility, enhanced the visitor arrival experience and helped secure the long-term sustainability of this nationally significant National Trust property.

 

The Compass School

 

We were equally pleased to see The Compass School shortlisted of the RTPI London Awards for Planning Excellence 2026, and going on to receive a commendation in the Best Project category. This commendation reflects the collaboration, expertise and dedication of everyone involved throughout the planning, design and delivery of the scheme.

 

Delivered on behalf of Reds10, The Compass School provides a high-quality specialist educational facility, creating an inspiring learning environment for pupils with special educational needs while helping to meet the growing demand for specialist education provision across London.

 

Congratulations to Reds10, our fellow consultants, and everyone who played a part in delivering this fantastic project. We also congratulate all of this year's RTPI London Award winners and those recognised across the evening.

 

Being shortlisted for these awards is recognition not only of the quality of the schemes themselves, but also of the collaborative efforts of our clients, design teams, consultants and stakeholders who helped bring them forward. We would like to thank everyone involved and congratulate our fellow nominees.