Colin Haylock becomes the RTPI President for 2012

Colin Haylock becomes President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) today (18 January) in succession to Richard Summers. Reflecting the challenging times Colin has decided to concentrate during his year on the key priorities of the Institute instead of selecting an individual Presidential theme. Assisting members and making the case for planning and for planners, showing that planners shape truly great places and add value to business, and promoting planning as a profession will be at the heart of his Presidential year.

Uniquely Challenging Times

Colin Haylock said:

"We face uniquely trying times in the UK. At this vital time for planning, my mission will be to make the case for planning and for planners by helping to take forward the work of the Institute across a number of crucially important areas. I will also be using the skills and experience of the whole Presidential team to assist me over the next twelve months and am pleased that Richard Summers, Peter Geraghty and Cath Ranson have all agreed to work with me in this way."

Looking ahead

Looking at the challenges for 2012, at the very top of a long list Colin has identified five issues:

• Getting a workable planning system in place in England and influencing planned reforms in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland;
• Making sure planners are fully equipped with the right skills, training and resources;
• Demonstrating the immense contribution planners and planning can make to help get us out of recession;
• Securing the future of Planning Aid England (PAE);
• Continuing to shape attractive and successful places and environments.

During his year, Colin wants to give working planners and those that they work with and work for, including chairs of planning committees and major developers, opportunities to express their passions, achievements and frustrations. One of his initiatives will be a regular Presidential podcast, recorded on his visits on the theme of planners making a difference.

North East

Colin added:

It is a very great honour to become President and I am very proud to be the first from the North East since 1945. In my role I particularly want to take forward the RTPI's highly successful planning myths campaign and to help boost confidence in the planning system and thereby improve understanding of the planning profession. I will work alongside the other built environment professions to ensure we do everything possible to secure high quality developments.

"It is a very great honour to become President and I am very proud to be the first from the North East since 1945. In my role I particularly want to take forward the RTPI's highly successful planning myths campaign and to help boost confidence in the planning system and thereby improve understanding of the planning profession. I will work alongside the other built environment professions to ensure we do everything possible to secure high quality developments."

"I follow Richard Summers very successful Presidential year and hand over to Peter Geraghty as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  We also welcome as our new Junior Vice President, Cath Ranson".

Colin Haylock currently runs a consultancy Haylock Planning and Design. He has over 35 years professional experience specialising in urban regeneration and development in sensitive environments such as conservation areas. He has worked extensively in both the public and private sectors. Colin currently also lectures at Newcastle University and University College London.

Away from work, Colin has a wide interest in the arts, particularly theatre and music. He is an active cricketer and lifelong follower of Fulham FC. Colin's other interests include travel, cookery and a passion for design.