THERE'S a new planning chief in town - Andrew Dobson, the former Borough Planning Officer of Crewe and Nantwich in Cheshire.

With a reputation for fairness, and clear explanations of the complex areas of planning law, Andrew comes with a wealth of experience.

A native of the Wirral, he has also worked for Blackpool and Langbaurgh on Tees Borough Councils.

In addition to this he has been an associate lecturer with one of the country's top planning training organisations.

A Chartered Town Planner and recent Management Diploma Graduate, Andrew is impressed with what has been achieved by the City Council in recent years.

"We appear to have been so busy looking inwards that we haven't objectively appreciated the tremendous steps to urban regeneration and sustainability that have already been achieved here", he said.

"Many towns in this region would be envious to have inward investment of the quality seen in this District".

After some initial discussions with staff, councillors, community representatives and business interests, Andrew sees his first mission as strengthening and improving the reputation of the planning process in the District to deliver the vision given by the Council, and eventually by the Community Strategy.

An enthusiastic mountaineer Andrew and his wife have completed 67 of the Scottish Munros.

The proximity to the Lake District for regular training was also an important factor in moving to the area.

" Climbing is rather like planning in a way," he reflects.

"No sooner is one summit achieved, than the many other challenges that remain become visible".