Planning Approval Secured for Major Expansion of Historic Hever Castle

This landmark approval represents a significant milestone in the future of Hever Castle as a leading visitor attraction, balancing its rich historical significance with the needs of a modern and sustainable tourism offering.

 

A Vision for the Future of Hever Castle

 

Privately owned and steeped in history, Hever Castle is embarking on a bold and ambitious expansion project designed to secure its long-term viability as a publicly accessible destination. The approved plans will enhance the estate’s hospitality and accommodation offering, supporting its role in the local economy while preserving its heritage for generations to come.

 

Key features of the approved scheme include:

 

• The reinstatement of a lost section of the historic Astor Wing, providing high-quality new hotel accommodation;

• State-of-the-art underground spa facilities, carefully integrated to respect the historic and natural setting;

• A new purpose-built structure for the Miniature Houses Exhibition, offering a fresh and engaging home for this popular attraction; and

• New restaurant and retail spaces, designed to enhance the overall visitor experience.

 

Planning in a Complex and Sensitive Context

 

The successful delivery of planning permission and Listed Building Consent for this project required a comprehensive and carefully considered approach. The site’s unique planning context — including its Grade I listed status, location within the Metropolitan Green Belt, High Weald National Landscape, and designation as a Flood Zone — meant that every aspect of the proposal had to be sensitively balanced.

 

 

 

We are therefore especially pleased that the application received unanimous support from Sevenoaks District Council’s Development Management Committee, a clear endorsement of the project's quality and the collaborative work behind it.

 

A Collaborative Effort

 

This achievement is the result of a highly collaborative approach, and we extend our sincere thanks to our expert project partners:

 

• Stephen Langer Architects;

• HCUK Group;

• Greenspace Ecological Solutions;

• Water Environment Ltd;

• Stephen Wadsworth of Briarwood Landscape Consultancy; and

• HD Marketing UK, for their exceptional CGI visualisations, which played a vital role in communicating the scheme to stakeholders and decision-makers.

 

If you would like to learn more about this exciting project or how DHA Planning Group can assist with heritage-led developments, please contact DHA Planning's David Bedford