Nazir to link planning with economy in new Birmingham role

Birmingham City Council’s director of planning & regeneration Waheed Nazir has been appointed as acting strategic director for economy for the next 12 months.

In his new role, Nazir will retain his duties in his previous role as director of planning & regeneration, and chief planning officer.

But he will also take on responsibilities over transportation, skills and employment.

The move has been made as part of the council’s reshaping of its leadership team in response to the Kerslake review, which identified the need to build more capacity at strategic level in the organisation.

Nazir told Planning: “I am excited by the prospect of bringing these key interconnected priorities together, as it is only by building sufficient homes, creating a skilled workforce and delivering an effective transport system, supported by a clear vision for the future, that we will maximise opportunities for the city and the wider region to drive forward economic growth.”

Nazir will also become a member of the corporate leadership team, supporting and driving the council’s improvement programme.

He has served the council for more than 15 years in a variety of roles, including assistant director of development, planning and regeneration, joint acting assistant director of regeneration, area regeneration manager, programme development manager and senior development officer.

He started his career as a planning assistant at consultancy Llewelyn Davies.

Nazir has a post graduate diploma in urban planning from the University of Westminster and a first class honours bachelor’s degree in town planning from the same institution.

Birmingham City Council leader John Clancy said: “Building more houses more quickly is my priority and I will be working closely with Waheed and his team as we continue to ensure Birmingham is leading the way in this area while at the same time encouraging businesses to invest here and make the city an attractive place to live, work and visit.”

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