The Royal Town Planning Institute's (RTPI) Chief Executive, Trudi Elliott, has been named as the new independent Chairman of the Planning Inspectorate board.

With 20 years' experience in the planning sector, Ms Elliott has been CEO of RTPI since 2011.

She has previously worked across numerous roles including Director of the Government Office for the West Midlands, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Regional Assembly, Director of Local Government Practice ODPM and Chief Executive of Bridgnorth District Council. She also currently chairs the Oxford Joint Planning Law Conference Committee and sits on the National Infrastructure Planning Association policy council and the University of Warwick Estates Committee.


Once she steps down from her RTPI role at the end of March, Ms Elliott will join the Planning Inspectorate board for a four-year period on Sunday, 01 April.

Speaking on her new position, Ms Elliott said: "The Planning Inspectorate plays a vital function in the planning system and the future development of England and Wales.

"I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to help with that task and look forward to working with Sarah Richards and her executive management team to continue to shape this renowned organisation."

(LM/MH)