LUC has appointed Sarah Young in the role, succeeding Philip Smith, who has decided to stand down from the board after ten years. Smith will remain a non-board planning director, the statement added. 

According to the firm, during his time, it has diversified to offer planning advice on transport, heritage, placemaking, natural capital and carbon management services. 

Young, a chartered town planner with more than 25 years of planning experience, and who previously led LUC’s strategic planning service, specialises in green belts and renewable energy.

She will oversee LUC’s planning services as well as having a say in company strategy and running of the business, and will be based in Bristol, the firm confirmed. She has developed guidance for governments, statutory bodies and local authorities, prepared evidence for local plans and assessed the environmental impacts of development proposals. 

LUC managing director Jon Grantham said in the statement: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah to the board. 

“She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the planning sector. 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Philip Smith for his many years of service to LUC.”