Waterbrook Business Park
Waterbrook Park, the 140 acre site near junction 10 of the M20 at Ashford, is to see the doubling of HGV parking capacity at the Ashford International Truck stop, as well as new commercial property, retail space and 400 homes.
The new, larger Ashford International Truck stop, will provide secure daytime and overnight parking for 600 HGVs, when completed.
During the construction programme the existing truck stop will remain operational, helping minimise unlawful HGV parking in and around Ashford.
45 acres of Waterbrook will be developed for 70,000sq ft of new commercial space, alongside the existing Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency offices and planned Jaguar Land Rover dealership. When fully developed the commercial premises will provide employment for around 950 people.
To meet Ashford's growing population, Waterbrook will include 400 new homes, which will be separated from the commercial property by a 13 acre linear park incorporating a small natural lake. A further 25 acres will be left undeveloped and schemes put in place to enhance the local ecology.
Recognising the need for local retail space, Ashford Borough Council has approved plans to develop a food store, as well as drive-through restaurants, plus a petrol filling station.
The proposed retail development will be convenient for residents and businesses at Waterbrook and nearby Finberry residents, providing day-to-day retailing, with a new link road and bridge over the River Stour.
Project Team
Jonathan is a Director leading our Gatwick office. He joined DHA in 2005 and brings more than 30 years of planning consultancy experience.
Jonathan Buckwell MRTPI PISEP
Director
Prior to joining DHA, he worked with Hepher Dixon (now Savills) in Milton Keynes and London, contributing to major regeneration projects, including the Emirates Stadium.
Jonathan works across a broad range of residential and commercial projects and has also advised local authorities on major developments, including the Manston Airport Development Consent Order.
His notable successes include securing planning permission for a major industrial complex in Nottinghamshire, an urban extension in Cornwall, a 1 million sqft medical campus in Maidstone, and a 600-space HGV park in Ashford.
In addition to his consultancy work, Jonathan also chairs Developers East Sussex, an organisation that brings together public and private sector development interests across the county. Through this role, he has engaged directly with Secretaries of State and Ministers within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on matters affecting development and economic growth.
Outside of work, Jonathan coaches a girls’ football team and enjoys the enduring highs and lows of supporting Leicester City.
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.