Little Randolph's Farm
Permission secured for the demolition of all existing agricultural barns and a bungalow on site, followed by their replacement with six new homes.
With the rural economy under pressure, DHA is being increasingly called upon to advise landowners on how to transform existing properties. A project for a landowner just outside Biddenden and in ‘open countryside’ is a good example.
Permission has been secured for the demolition of all existing agricultural barns and a bungalow on site, followed by their replacement with six new homes and associated landscaping and parking at Little Randolph’s Farm.
Back in 2021, approval was secured by DHA from Ashford Borough Council for a change of use and conversion of two agricultural buildings under Class Q of the Town and Country Planning Act, consistent with government recognition of the need to increase the numbers of rural homes.
Thanks to the fall-back position, DHA argued the case for demolition of the bungalow, taking the total number of new homes to six and creating a farmstead-style development.
DHA also successfully highlighted that the site on the A262 Tenterden Road would contribute to the windfall delivery of new homes in the borough. Thanks to an emphasis of the homes’ design by Turner Jackson + Day Associates, the planning officers recognised the proposed development could ‘improve the visual amenity of the site and wider rural setting’.
Project Team
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.
Mark heads up the Land Team who offer a range of consultancy and agency services as part of our multi-disciplinary teams. Mark's background is in Economics, with a Degree from Sheffield University before taking a Masters in Planning & Development and qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 2008. He started his career in Development Team at Cluttons splitting his time between Kent & London, before moving to RPC Land & New Homes and then Sibley Pares working at Director level.
Mark Presland MRICS
Director
Mark's experience covers a broad range of client groups, including Public Bodies, Local Authorities, Charities, Trusts, Housing Associations as well as Private Land Owners and Developers. His experience also covers a broad range of project types, from placing consented sites to structuring subject to planning agreements, options, promotions on larger strategic sites. These projects are primarily residential led, but also include Care, Retirement and Commercial sectors when appropriate.
Utilising his experience and detailed knowledge of the South East, Mark is uniquely placed to offer clients insight and market knowledge on how best to bring forward land for development and how to optimise land value.
"It is key for landowners to consider the big picture first, keeping an open mind, and considering all types of development in order to give the best chance of successfully achieving planning. I always like to offer my clients a range of alternative approaches, from offering detailed consultancy services that enable them to achieve planning themselves, to structuring agreements with trusted and experience development partners that can take the associated cost and risk that many would prefer not to take."
Matthew specialises in rural planning and has extensive experience in barn conversions, agricultural development, rural business growth and farm diversification projects. He is also DHA’s lead specialist on permitted development rights and point of contact on MOD projects.
Matthew Garvey MRTPI
Director
Matthew joined DHA in 2012 as a Graduate Planner, having previously worked at Kent County Council. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Geography and completed an MSc in Town Planning at the University of Brighton in 2014.
Over the course of his career at DHA, Matthew has progressed through the business, culminating in his promotion to Director in June 2026.
With more than a decade of experience in planning consultancy, Matthew advises a diverse client base ranging from major developers, contractors and landed estates to farmers, businesses and private landowners. He has successfully managed a broad spectrum of planning projects and is recognised for providing clear, commercially focused advice that helps clients navigate complex planning issues.
While his work spans multiple sectors, Matthew specialises in rural planning and has extensive experience in barn conversions, agricultural development, rural business growth and farm diversification projects. He is also DHA’s lead specialist on permitted development rights and point of contact on MOD projects. He ensures clients benefit from the latest legislative changes and opportunities.
His practical approach, detailed knowledge of planning policy and commitment to delivering results make him a trusted adviser to clients across the South East and beyond.