Sarah Richards, chief executive of the Planning Inspectorate, has resigned and will leave the organisation in early autumn.
Richards joined as chief executive in March 2016. In her six years in the position, she oversaw the transformation of the Planning Inspectorate, modernising its organisational structure and improving the digital services offered.
She led the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring continued delivery of service and bringing in virtual ways to deliver planning appeal, national infrastructure, and local plans casework.
Prior to joining the Planning Inspectorate, Richards held senior positions in the planning departments of Slough Borough Council and Essex County Council.
Richards said she was “leaving at a time of great change, but also of great opportunity, for those working in the planning sector”.
She added: “The Covid years challenged us but brought out the resourcefulness and ingenuity to keep our casework moving. The organisation is now establishing the foundations to deliver in an increasingly digitised future.
“I go with confidence that my successor will lead an organisation that is changing and improving for the better, with a workforce that is as professional and dedicated as it has always been.”
Simon Gallagher, director of planning at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said Richards’ successor would be “joining at an exciting and challenging time, with the focus on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill progressing through parliament”.
The recruitment process to appoint a successor has begun and interim arrangements are being put in place to lead the Inspectorate while recruitment is under way.
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