Ayling takes charge of Eastleigh local plan revamp

Toby Ayling has been appointed to the role of planning policy and implementation manager at Eastleigh Borough Council.

Chartered planner Ayling arrives from Farnham Borough Council where he served as infrastructure project and delivery officer, focusing on the new 6,000 home community at Welborne.

As part of Eastleigh’s regeneration and planning policy unit, he will manage 11 officers to deliver planning policy documents and advise on planning applications.

Speaking to Planning, Ayling said: “Our main task will be to bring forward a new local plan, and will be looking to do that this year.”

In January, a planning inspector found the plan unsound on the basis that more housing is required.

Ayling will also be responsible for promoting key sites for housing and development, delivering environmental improvement projects including public art and the protection of the borough’s conservation heritage.

Ayling previously worked in planning roles for Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council and at central government’s former Housing and Planning Advice Unit within the Department for Communities and Local Government.

He has a bachelors and a post graduate diploma in town and country planning from University College London.

Paul Ramshaw, head of regeneration and planning policy at Eastleigh, said: “We are starting the local plan process from the very beginning and we needed somebody with drive and enthusiasm coupled with gravitas and credibility to give our members and community the confidence that such an important task is in safe hands.”

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Picture of Ageas Bowl in Eastleigh by Dominic Lockyer, Flickr