SKIPTON based WBW Surveyors has strengthened its professional services team with the appointment of Ian Swain - formerly of Craven District Council - as principal planner.

Mr Swain transfers from the public to the private sector after working for the council for 13 years, latterly as development control manager, being responsible for the planning application process and planning enforcement matters across the district.

He will join the company to head up the existing planning team and will advise on all planning matters, including applications and related consents, appeals, planning enforcement advice and appeals, pre-application advice and emerging development plan representations.

Mr Swain has 20 years’ experience in town and country planning, and is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI). He previously led a planning enforcement team and, in addition to his significant expertise in development control he has in-depth knowledge of the Local Plan process.

WBW director Adam Winthrop said: “We are very fortunate to have secured the services of someone as talented and experienced as Ian. In addition to the help and support he can give to our planning team, it allows us to broaden the planning services offering to our existing clients and will allow us to offer a comprehensive service to the wider development and business community”.

Mr Swain lives in Skipton with his wife Jules and three young children. Outside work, his interests include walking, cycling, and listening to music. He joins WBW during a period of continuing development across all areas of business activity, including its core agricultural sector provision.

He has been succeeded at Craven District Council by former principle planning officer, Neville Watson.