Waverley and Guildford councils now have the same planning chief.
Senior officers from both councils have discussed combining their respective Planning Development and Planning Policy services for several months. Now, the deal between the neighbouring councils has been done.
Is this good news or bad news for ‘Your Waverley’?
Planning functions will now combine with a single assistant director leading the combined planning and place-shaping agenda within both councils.
Ms Upton Brown Claire took on the role on August 19, previously being the assistant director of planning development across both councils since March 2023.
Julian Higson, strategic director for housing, communities and environment, said Claire’s appointment will allow both councils to
“plan for positive growth”.: “A single head of planning provides a number of benefits that positively impact, influence, shape and grow all strategic corporate decisions.“Bringing these two planning areas together means we’ll be better able to respond to the new government.”
He added: Claire is a brilliant leader passionate about making Guildford and Waverley fantastic places to live, work, and do business. I’m delighted that she has accepted this appointment.”
Cllr Liz Townsend, WBC portfolio holder for planning, regeneration and economic development, believes Claire’s “huge amount of experience” will be key.
“She will bring strong and strategic leadership to the combined planning policy and planning development functions at this time of wide-ranging changes in national planning policy.
“We want our borough to thrive, and planning plays a critical part in that. It is more important than ever that we have joined an approach to planning and work more closely together. “This will ensure a holistic overview of infrastructure, environmental, social and economic outcomes for current and future generations.”
What happened to the previous head of planning. He didn’t last long.Why has he left?
But apparently this isn’t a merger lol
Perhaps “things will get worse before they get better” – as they’re already at an all-time low, I’m not too sure that they could get worse…..