08.07.2026
DHA Planning is proud to announce that two projects we helped deliver have been shortlisted in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.
The nominations recognise the role that planning plays in creating exceptional places and highlight the breadth of DHA's expertise, from the sensitive enhancement of a nationally important heritage asset to the delivery of specialist education facilities that support young people with additional needs.
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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.
DHA Planning is delighted that the National Trust's Ightham Mote Visitor Reception and Shop has been 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.
Regional winners will be announced at the RTPI South East Awards Celebration Dinner at Southampton Football Club on 9 July 2026.
DHA Planning is equally pleased to see The Compass School shortlisted in the Best Project category of the RTPI London Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.
The project delivered a high-quality specialist educational facility designed to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs, providing modern learning environments that support education, wellbeing and personal development.
At a time when demand for specialist educational provision continues to grow, the scheme represents an important investment in educational infrastructure and demonstrates the positive impact that thoughtful planning can have on communities. The project forms part of DHA's ongoing work supporting the delivery of education projects across London and the wider South East.
The RTPI London Awards ceremony will take place at Howdens in London on 16 July 2026, when the regional winners will be announced.
Representatives from DHA Planning will be attending both award ceremonies and look forward to celebrating the achievements of all shortlisted projects and the wider planning profession.
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.
We wish all shortlisted entrants the very best of luck and look forward to the announcements later this month.
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