Unexpected Departure of Senior Council Officer

Published on: 12 Jul, 2015
Updated on: 16 Jul, 2015

Chris Mansfield the executive head of development at Guildford Borough Council (GBC) for almost the last two years is understood to be leaving the council next month for a post at Hillingdon Council.

Hillingdon is the second biggest London borough. It includes Heathrow airport and the area that lies to the north of the airport within the M25.

The news has surprised many council observers coming, as it does, at a challenging time for planning issues in the borough. Within the borough council Mr Mansfield is second only to the managing director Sue Sturgeon for whom he has sometimes deputised.

Almost exactly a year ago he had to quickly assume the duties of the former head of planning at GBC, Carol Humphrey, when she quit unexpectedly in the wake of a review that was said to have criticised the relationship between the planning department and councillors.

It is rumoured that Barry Fagg, the interim head of planning, will take over from Chris Mansfield until a permanent replacement is recruited.

Sue Sturgeon, managing director of Guildford Borough Council, said: “Chris Mansfield, Executive Head of Development, is leaving the council for a new job at the London Borough of Hillingdon, heading up the Planning, Transport and Community Projects.

“Chris has been at Guildford Borough Council for six years working on economic development, planning, assets and regeneration.

“This is a promotion for Chris and whilst we are very sorry to see him leave Guildford later in the summer, we wish him every success for the future.”

Councillors had declined to comment pending an official announcement.