The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has appointed Emma Williamson as its Director of Planning.

Bringing 25 years of industry experience, Emma will be joining OPDC in early August from the London Borough of Haringey, where she is currently Assistant Director of Planning, Building Standards and Sustainability, with a strong track record for securing planning for major strategic regeneration schemes, including Argent’s £500m Tottenham Hale development and Spurs’ Stadium redevelopment.

In her previous role as Principal Strategic Planner for the Greater London Authority, Emma delivered an impressive portfolio of projects including Chelsea Barracks, Wood Wharf and London’s Royal Docks, as well as working with a number of London Boroughs on the development of their core strategies.

Emma will lead OPDC’s planning team, providing strategic leadership on the development and implementation of its Local Plan, setting out a framework for the delivery of tens of thousands of homes, as well as directing OPDC’s development management service, responsible for managing major urban regeneration applications.

OPDC Chief Executive, David Lunts said:

"Emma is an exceptionally talented and well-regarded planner with a great track record of delivering major regeneration schemes, and we are delighted to welcome her to the team. Just a few days ago, OPDC awarded planning consent for the new £1.3bn HS2 interchange station at Old Oak Common, so Emma’s arrival is perfectly timed. Her experience and energy will be a major boost in driving forward our plans for what is set to become London’s best-connected new urban district."

Emma Williamson said:

"Joining OPDC at this key stage in the project is particularly exciting, with HS2’s Old Oak Common Station kickstarting regeneration across the OPDC area. As Director of Planning, I look forward to shaping and securing the corporation’s ambitious plans to deliver homes and jobs at scale in London’s biggest Opportunity Area."