New Head of Planning and Building Standards

The Highland Council has appointed a new Head of Planning and Building Standards. He is Richard Hartland, Development Control and Building Standards Manager with West Lothian Council. He is due to take up his new post in June.

Mr Hartland started his career as a Planning Assistant with Gordon District Council in 1976 and moved to West Lothian District Council in April 1979. There he progressed from Planning Officer to Senior Planner and then Chief Development Control Officer. He was appointed to his current role of Development Control and Building Standards Manager in April 1996.

Mr Hartland is currently the Chair of the Scottish Society of Directors of Planning and sits on its Executive Committee.

Mr John Rennilson, Director of Planning and Development for The Highland Council, said: "While Richard has not previously worked in the Highlands, he has been a regular visitor to the area and its hills and mountains. He will be in at the start - facing an exciting challenge as the new Planning Bill currently in the Scottish Parliament comes into effect in 2007."