A NEW director of planning and infrastructure has been appointed to Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils.

Holly Jones will take on the role at the end of October after leaving South Oxfordshire District and Vale of White Horse District Councils where she worked as planning policy manager.

With 20 years worth of experience behind her, Holly has worked in both public and private sector planning and started her career in the early 2000s as a trainee in planning policy at Wychavon.

She said: “It is incredible to be able to return to Wychavon, the place I started my career, in a position on the management team and to take on Malvern as well is an honour.

“I can’t wait to start this role and I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Jack Hegarty, chief executive/managing director at both councils, said: “We are delighted to welcome Holly to our team and we are looking forward to the skills, enthusiasm and wealth of experience she will bring to the role.”

Holly replaces former joint head of planning Gary Williams, who retired in the summer after devoting 43 years to public service.

Mr Williams worked at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Redditch Borough Council.

He then made his way to Malvern Hills District Council where he rose to become head of planning. He then took on the same position for Wychavon in 2015.