Waverley Borough Council is getting closer to its neighbours as a new planning chief with a joint role has been appointed.

Claire Upton-Brown has been named head of planning for both WBC and Guildford Borough Council in a further deepening of ties between the two authorities.

Senior officers from both councils have held discussions for several months about combining their respective Planning Development and Planning Policy services.

Planning functions will now come together with a single assistant director leading the combined planning and place-shaping agenda within both councils.

Claire moved into the role on August 19 having previously been the assistant director of planning development across both councils since March 2023.

Julian Higson, strategic director for housing, communities and environment, said Claire’s appointment will allow both councils to “plan for positive growth”.

He said: “A single head of planning provides a number of benefits that positively impact, influence, shape and grow all strategic corporate decisions.

“Bringing these two areas of planning together means we’ll be better able to respond to the new government.”

He added: Claire is a brilliant leader who is passionate about making Guildford and Waverley fantastic places to live, work and do business. I’m delighted that she has accepted this appointment.” 

Cllr Liz Townsend, WBC portfolio holder for planning, regeneration and economic development, believes Claire’s “huge amount of experience” will be key.

She said: “She will bring strong and strategic leadership to the combined planning policy and planning development functions at this time of wide-ranging changes in national planning policy.

“We want our borough to thrive and planning plays a critical part in that aim. It is more important than ever that we have joined up approach to planning and work more closely together. “This will ensure a holistic overview of infrastructure, environmental, social and economic outcomes for current and future generations.”