Lewisham Council has appointed a new interim Chief Planning Officer Michael Forrester. He was previously Head of Development Management at the authority where he had responsibility to ensure the efficient review of thousands of pre-applications, planning applications and to facilitate planning committees as well as supporting planning enforcement.
Much of Michael’s work has been to help with the transformation of Lewisham Town Centre, Deptford, and New Cross. He is described as a tall buildings expert. He is an alumni of Oxford Brookes University.
Councillor James Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, described Michael as “home grown” referring to his career at Lewisham Council.
The previous interim Director of Planning, Nick Fenwick was a well travelled and experienced local authority planner who has worked in many authorities. Interestingly, the council have decided to change the job title to Chief Planning Officer in their latest interim appointment.
In written answer number 21 at the full council meeting held on 28th January 2025, Cllr James Walsh revealed that 19 staff posts out of a total of 80 within Lewisham Council’s planning team were vacant despite 7 new staff joining in the summer of 2025.
A number of major planning projects are slated for the London borough including Convoy’s Wharf in Deptford, Catford Town Centre, Lewisham Shopping Centre and housing supported by a possible Bakerloo Line Extension.