A New Year brings changes for the LPDF!

A New Year and a new change for the LPDF! Following a 50-year career in planning our Policy Director John Acres has announced his retirement.  John, who has been with the LPDF since it was formed in 2018 is handing over the reins to Phill Bamford. Phill, who has now become our new Policy Director is supported by Nicole Burnett who recently joined the LPDF in December as our Senior Policy and Research Manager.

Speaking about his retirement John said, ‘It has been a great pleasure to support Paul Brocklehurst and the Board over the last 4 years in building up the LPDF and raising the profile of the Federation on behalf of its members. The LPDF is now recognised as being a major force in the planning and housing world and provides a powerful and respected voice for our industry.  After a 50 year career in both the public and private sector of housing, I have never known a time when the pressures on the land promotion and house-building industry have been greater – with spiralling costs, greater uncertainty and increased intervention by local authorities and Government.  But I know from experience, that land promoters are adept at succeeding against a background of adversity and that Paul and his able team will continue to do their utmost to support you.  I wish Phill Bamford every success as he takes on the role of Policy Director.  Be well assured, you are in good hands.’

As John moves on to his next adventure in the form of retirement, completing his coastal walk around England, Phill, who faces a busy few months ahead said ‘John has amassed an encyclopaedic knowledge of planning and the housebuilding industry over his 50 years in the sector, and the knowledge he has amassed has been invaluable to me as an individual and the LPDF as a Federation. His passion and dedication to his career is something that I can only hope to match as I step up into the Policy Director role and I would above all, like to pass on my gratitude and best wishes to John for the future.’

Chairman of the LPDF, Paul Brocklehurst commented ‘I'm delighted that Phill has agreed to step up into the role of Policy Director. He not only has an ideal background in planning, having gained extensive experience within the public sector, as well as gaining wide ranging exposure in the private sector working within a land promoter, but in the 18 months he has been with us he has made a massive contribution in helping to improve our profile. Phill has put significant effort into ensuring he is known to all members and associates and I'm sure he'll contribute significantly as we look to ensure our voice is heard by all stakeholders with an interest in ensuring we build the homes that this country so desperately needs.’