With plans in the pipeline for tens of thousands of new homes and armed with sweeping new planning powers, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority appoints new interim director of housing and regeneration. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has announced the appointment of Paul Buntin as new interim director of housing and regeneration.
Paul will take up the role having recently served as head of development, following a career with the combined authority that began in 2014 when he joined Merseytravel as a Development Officer.
He takes up his post as the combined authority looks to push on with plans to build tens of thousands of new homes across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton over the next few years.
A 174-hectare area around Liverpool waterfront alone has been earmarked for 17,000 new homes, a construction programme that will be overseen by the proposed new Mayoral Development Corporation.
New Government legislation has also given the combined authority sweeping new powers over planning decisions on developments deemed to be of “potential strategic importance”.
Until now each of the six city region local authorities – Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton – have retained the power over all planning applications, no matter how big, via their local planning committees.
Under the newly-passed English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, Mayors such as Steve Rotheram can “call in” major schemes. Previously only Government ministers had this power.
During his time with the combined authority, Paul has gained experience in portfolio management, investment and transport development, while developing a strong track record in leading major spending review negotiations.
In his new role, he will lead the development and delivery of the ambitious pipeline of housing and regeneration projects across the city region.
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He will also oversee key programmes including the Housing Investment Fund, retrofit initiatives and work to transform brownfield land into sites that support new homes and economic growth.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed into this role and look forward to helping deliver the Local Growth Plan, with housing a critical component of a successful, thriving economy and making a difference to the people who live and work in the region,” said Paul.