Samantha Campbell joined the city council in 1999 after studying at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the University of Salford and has overseen major regeneration schemes. Tony McDonough reports
After almost two decades being involved in some of Liverpool’s biggest regeneration projects Samantha Campbell has been named the city’s first female head of planning.
Ms Campbell, who has studied at both Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the University of Salford, takes the helm at a department that is currently overseeing projects such as the £2bn Knowledge Quarter, £5bn Liverpool Waters and the new Cruise Liner Terminal.
Stunning images show new look for Liverpool Waters – click to read more
She joined the city council in the autumn of 1999 and has risen through the ranks of the planning department to hold various posts such as principal planning officer, deputy team leader of urban design and heritage team and city centre co-ordinator.
Planning is a department of the council perhaps more under the spotlight than many others. In recent years the council has come under significant criticism for the rise in the volume of student developments and for proposals for housing on green spaces.
And in a round table discussion in Liverpool earlier this year a number of local business people claimed planning in the city was under-resourced and the process too slow.
On her appointment Ms Campbell said: “Liverpool is undergoing phenomenal change and although this presents a great many challenges in terms of which areas need developing and how, it also provides huge opportunities to make the city a better place to live, work and visit.
“Liverpool’s World Heritage status is a fascinating issue to be involved and I’m lucky to be at the heart of many exciting projects that will shape the city for generations to come.
“I’ve learned a great deal over the years and I’m looking forward to using all that experience to continue to build on existing relationships to promote a positive, engaging and customer focused planning department.”
The mother-of-two has a Masters in Environmental Planning from LJMU and Post Graduate Diploma in Urban Design at Salford University. She will also take a key role in forthcoming projects such as Ten Streets, the Fabric District, the new Beatles Quarter.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson added: “I wish Samantha every success in her new role. She has a great track record working on some of the biggest schemes the city has seen and her expertise will be invaluable to the city council.”