Housing and Planning Minister has confirmed the
appointment of Ben Alexander as the new Chair of the Planning
Inspectorate Board. His appointment is expected to commence on 1
July 2026 and run for a period of four years. In addition, the
Minister has confirmed a one-year extension to the terms of two
existing Inspectorate board members.
Ben will take over from Trudi Elliott, CBE MRTPI, who is
completing her second term as Chair. He will lead the Planning
Inspectorate as it continues its vital role in the planning
system, supporting timely, fair and proportionate decision‑making
on nationally significant infrastructure projects, certain
planning applications, local plans and planning appeals.
The Planning Inspectorate plays a central role in delivering the
government's ambitions to speed up planning decisions, thereby
unlocking housing growth and economic development, while ensuring
communities' voices are heard and environmental protections
upheld.
Alongside Ben's appointment, the Minister has also confirmed
extensions to the terms of two existing board members, Adrian
Penfold and Oliver Munn, to September 2027, ensuring continuity
and stability as the organisation continues to modernise and
respond to the government's ambitious agenda for planning.
Housing and Planning Minister said:
“I'm delighted to confirm Ben Alexander's appointment as Chair of
the Planning Inspectorate Board.
“Ben has a proven track record of effective leadership,
commercial expertise and successfully driving through
organisation change in the public sector. He will make an
invaluable contribution to ensuring the Inspectorate provides
timely, high-quality and cost-effective decisions,
recommendations and advice.
“I would also like to thank Trudi Elliott for her outstanding
leadership over two terms, and to recognise the continued
contribution of board members who have agreed to extend their
service.”
Further information
Ben Alexander
Ben is currently Chair of the Industrial Development Advisory
Board, an external member of the Cambridge University finance
committee and serves as a commercial advisor at the Cabinet
Office. He has previously held senior roles in international
finance and asset management and brings extensive experience in
governance, infrastructure and strategic decision‑making across
both the public and private sectors.
For the other Planning Inspectorate board members, biographies
are available here.
