The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has made two new appointments to Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)’s Planning Committee.

Steve Quartermain CBE, the government’s former Chief Planner, and Gary Rice, who previously led development at Southwark Council, will join the committee with immediate effect, bringing additional senior level experience to support the Corporation’s statutory planning responsibilities.

OPDC is leading the planning and delivery of London’s largest regeneration Opportunity Area with plans to build up to 25,000 new and affordable homes, and 56,000 jobs over the next two decades, with the High Speed Two interchange at Old Oak Common acting as the catalyst for change.

Steve is one of the UK’s most influential planners. After directing an award-winning local authority planning department, in 2008 he was appointed Chief Planner for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). He was the key adviser to successive ministers on all planning matters, including transformational change to the planning system, the National Planning Policy Framework and casework.

He stepped down from this role last year but continues to play a prominent role in the sector, nurturing talent, driving innovation and championing diversity. A former President of the Planning Officers Society during his time in local government, he now has a portfolio of activities, offering strategic advice and he also advises the charity MOBIE, the Academy of Urbanism, Women in Planning and the University of Kent.

Gary Rice has led major developments for the London Boroughs of Southwark, Lewisham and Havering, including the new Elephant Park regeneration project and One Tower Bridge. His experience spans town planning, urban design, architecture, building control, regeneration and conservation in both the public and private sectors.

OPDC’s Planning Committee has responsibility for determining individual planning applications and a major role in the development of planning and design policy within the OPDC area. Members include local councillors from Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham and independent industry experts, and it works closely with OPDC’s Community Review Group of local residents, which provides advice on applications prior to determination.

Liz Peace CBE, OPDC Chair said:

"We’re thrilled to announce these two major appointments. Steve and Gary join OPDC at a pivotal time, with HS2’s Old Oak Common Station construction well underway and excellent progress made on our Local Plan. They bring a wealth of experience and insight that will help us get the very best quality of new and affordable homes and jobs that maximises opportunities for our local communities and beyond."

Steve Quartermain CBE said:

"Old Oak and Park Royal is one of the country’s most significant regeneration opportunities. The vision for a connected new district has national significance to aid long-term recovery and boost prosperity. Sitting on OPDC’s Planning Committee, I look forward to helping to guide new development by ensuring high standards of design, sustainability and innovation, and above all, creating a place that benefits the people who live, work and visit there."

Gary Rice said:

"This is a hugely exciting time to join OPDC’s Planning Committee. Navigating complex development to create standout places, particularly in London, is the passion I’ve dedicated my career to. The construction of the HS2 station has already kick-started growth at Old Oak and Park Royal, and I’m enthused to work with the Mayor, my fellow committee members and the whole OPDC team to oversee and shape some of the capital’s most exciting and ambitious planning applications."