DHA Maidstone

DHA, originally known as David Hicken Associates, was established in 1986 by David Hicken as a specialist planning practice. Since its inception, the firm has experienced organic growth, now employing over 75 multi-disciplinary staff. The company operates as the South East's largest independent planning and highways consultancy. DHA provides comprehensive planning services to clients across the United Kingdom.

The firm maintains offices in Maidstone, Gatwick, London, and Leeds, reflecting its broad operational footprint. DHA offers a range of specialist technical consulting services designed to support various development projects. These services encompass Planning & Development, Transport, Design, Environmental Impact Assessment, Flood Risk & Drainage, Infrastructure, Land & Site Promotion, Masterplanning & Design, Development Viability, and GIS & Referencing. The company's multidisciplinary teams frequently collaborate to provide integrated solutions, aiming to achieve optimal outcomes for its clients.

DHA strives to make the process of obtaining planning permission clear and provides guidance to maximise the potential and value of property. The firm holds professional accreditations, demonstrating its commitment to industry standards. DHA is ISO 9001 certified, which ensures a consistent approach to delivering high-quality services. Additionally, the company is ISO 14001 certified, formally acknowledging its dedication to sustainability and efforts to minimise its environmental footprint.

DHA is also registered with the EIA Quality Mark of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), and holds SMAS certification and a Worksafe Consultant Membership Certificate. DHA serves a diverse client base, including developers, landowners, public sector corporations, governmental departments, local authorities, registered social landlords, international companies, banks, financial institutions, and private companies. The company has a track record of securing planning permission for a wide array of projects, ranging from small factory extensions to new hospitals, schools, residential developments, and major regeneration schemes. The firm's experience in the residential sector includes working with individuals on private residences up to large-scale developments involving thousands of new homes in Garden Settlements.

DHA collaborates with major housebuilders, SME developers, local authorities, and housing associations on these projects. Beyond traditional housing, the firm's expertise extends to various other sectors such as agriculture, community facilities, education, health, leisure, mixed-use schemes, and retail. Regarding purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), DHA has relevant experience within its team. One of the firm's Associates has nearly two decades of planning consultancy experience across a range of sectors, including housing, tourist and leisure accommodation, and student and specialist older persons accommodation.

This background contributes to DHA's capability in navigating the planning requirements for student living developments. The company's approach involves understanding that each development is unique, and it is committed to providing tailored and collaborative services to maximise the potential and value of property for its clients. DHA's teams work to identify and mitigate planning risks while promoting the benefits that such projects can deliver.