Chief planner
In England, the term ‘chief planner’ refers to the chief planner in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. There are also chief planners in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In June 2020, it was announced that Joanna Averley had been appointed as the first female chief planner.
In the government response to the report of the House of Lords Select Committee on the built environment, published on 8 November 2016, the government suggest that the chief planner:
| ‘Provides the central leadership to ensure the planning system supports the delivery of housing growth, climate change, sustainable economic development and works to protect and enhance the natural environment ‘The Chief Planner’s priorities include helping local authorities deliver their Local Plans for better housing and sustainable communities and to ensure that planning promotes the development of prosperous and vibrant communities.’ |
This response was provided following a recommendation from the House of Lords Select Committee on the built environment that a new role of Chief Built Environment Adviser should be created, following the scrapping of the position of Chief Construction Adviser. The government however rejected the recommendation, suggesting that the transfer of responsibilities for architecture from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to the Department for Communities and Local Government would ensure housing and planning policy was more closely aligned with good architecture. They suggested instead that the Chief Planner role would be developed to:
| ‘…include discussing and facilitating communication and implementation of policy on the built environment and to identifying and sharing good practice across and beyond Government.’ |
This is similar to the role of Chief Built Environment Advisor role proposed by the Select Committee, whish was intended to integrate planning policy and safeguard high standards and good practice across government departments, but is seen by some as a misunderstanding of the role of the Chief Construction Adviser, which was to oversee the implementation of the Government Construction Strategy.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.