Planning officer to leave council

Another much-respected senior planning officer is set to depart from Herefordshire Council.

Officer Ed Thomas received a round of applause at the December 18 planning committee after chairman Phil Cutter announced that Mr Thomas was leaving.

Councillor Cutter said: “I want to say to Ed Thomas, who is leaving to the authority very shortly, thank you so much for all that you’ve done for this authority in the time that I’ve know you and before. And also, for the things that you have done to help me as the chairman.

“It is very much appreciated and we all wish you the best for the future and hope everything goes alright for you.”

This follows the announcement last month that longstanding planning officer Roland Close’s is to leave the authority.

Councillor John Hardwick, who chaired the November meeting, praised the good work Mr Close had carried out during his tenure.