Tribute Paid to Senior Planner on his Retirement
Mike Greaves retires today (Friday) after a distinguished career in planning and economic development, the last 34 years of which were spent in the Highlands. Mike, who lives in Drumnadrochit, is The Highland Council’s Head of Development and Strategy in the Planning and Development Service.
Tribute was paid to his dedicated service to the Council at Wednesday’s Planning Development Europe and Tourism Committee. Committee Chairman Councillor Sandy Park described Mike as an outstanding and dedicated planner, whose experience, commitment and expertise would be sorely missed by the Council.
His tribute was echoed by Director of Planning and Development, John Rennilson, who highlighted Mike’s major contribution most recently to the Council’s policy on the A 96 Corridor and the Renewable Energy Strategy.
Mr Rennilson said: “Mike has had a big impact on planning in the Highlands for over thirty years. Some ten years ago he prepared the Vision for Inverness document. What has happened on the ground in the following decade owes much to his ideas. He leaves us with his final project “The A96 Corridor- Master Plan” having taken its next step forward at Committee earlier this week so the impact of his efforts will still be taking the area forward for years to come.”
Mike began his career in 1968 as a Student Planner with Nottinghamshire County Council and worked in Birmingham and Manchester before moving to the Highlands in 1973 as a planner later senior planner with Ross & Cromarty County Council. In 1975 he joined Highland Regional Council as Principal Planner before being promoted to Assistant Director of Planning in 1981.
With The Highland Council, Mike has served as Head of Local Plans, Head of Community Planning & Economic Development, Head of Economy & Regeneration and since 2005 Head of Development & Strategy
Married with two daughters, Mike’s interests include mountain biking and time trials, hill walking and all things Australian. He has property in Perth, Australia, but his main base will remain in Drumnadrochit.
He said: “It’s a tremendous wrench to leave but, working in a profession concerned with change, I think the approaching circumstances of a new Council operating a new Planning Act makes this a good time to go. The Highlands have always been world-renowned for their scenery and culture and I remain confident about their growing reputation now as a world-class place to work, stay and play.”