Steve joined Town in June 2020 having stepped down as the Government’s Chief Planner, a post he held since 2008. Steve has over 40 years of practical and policy experience having previously held senior roles in Local Government, the last 12 years of which saw him run all front line services including an economic development function. The council was adjudged an excellent council and the planning services awarded Beacon Council status.

As Chief Planner Steve has been at the heart of the Government’s planning reform agenda, most notably the NPPF and planning practice guidance reviews; he managed the casework function and was responsible for the design brief.

Steve was made a Commander of the British Empire in 2015 for services to planning infrastructure.

Steve brings the breadth of his practical and strategic experience on planning and related matters to Town.