Former banker appointed head of Planning Commission

John Saunders has been named chief executive of the new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). A body set up by the Department for Communities and Local Government whose aim is to speed up the planning process.

Saunders spent 20 years working in the banking industry and has recently held posts including chief executive of the Security Industry Authority.

The IPC, has taken the multiple planning systems are merged them into one single process with the hope that it could cut the time taken to make planning decisions from up to seven years to under a year.

IPC chair Michael Pitt said: “John brings strong leadership, business acumen and a thorough understanding of working in challenging and politically sensitive arenas under close public scrutiny. His appointment strengthens the IPC team, ensuring that we are equipped to deliver to the highest standards from day one.”