Restructuring leads to new district planning director post

Horsham District Council has appointed a new planning director.

Chris Lyons, who becomes director of planning, economic development and property, said his job was to support the council’s ambition to create a “high quality, agile and responsive” service. 

Lyons, who in August joins from Southampton City Council where he is planning and development manager, told Planning: “Horsham is moving away from generic heads of service to specialists and wanted a qualified town planner. The council wanted better advice at a senior level.”

He said planning, economic development and property departments were drawing closer together to make the service more seamless.

Lyons will also help Horsham try and win approval for its local plan at planning inspector level. The plan includes a 2,500-home town extension and a 650-homes-a-year building target.

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