A new chief planner has been appointed by the UK government and charged with the aim of speeding up the country’s new homes development processes. Steve Quartermain was unveiled on Tuesday and immediately given the task of helping local councils deliver their local plans for better housing and sustainable communities.
He is expected to have a key role in reform of the planning sector at local levels, with the government concerned it is currently taking too long for local authorities to make decisions. Planning minister Caroline Flint said of the appointment:
“As chief planner Steve will help drive forward our ambitions to improve the skills and capacity of planners across the profession.”
She added his remit also included ensuring councils delivered
“high quality housing and infrastructure with environmentally friendly developments for communities.”
Mr Quartermain said:
“I am delighted to take up this role. It is a challenging and exciting time for planners in Government, councils and throughout the profession.
“My aim as Chief Planner is to make a positive contribution toward ensuring planning promotes the development of prosperous and vibrant communities.”
Mr Quartermain is likely to have his hands full quickly – on Monday the government announced it had appointed 14 experts and given them the task of ensuring developers improved their current ideas on how to implement eco-town developments in 14 short-listed locations.
Mr Quartermain is also set to play a major part in ensuring the development of new homes is speeded up to make sure the government hits ambitious new homes building rate.
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