Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook has confirmed the appointment of Ben Alexander as the new Chair of the Planning Inspectorate Board. His appointment is expected to commence on 1 July 2026 and run for a period of four years. In addition, the Minister has confirmed a one-year extension to the terms of two existing Inspectorate board members.
Ben will take over from Trudi Elliott, CBE MRTPI, who is completing her second term as Chair. He will lead the Planning Inspectorate as it continues its vital role in the planning system, supporting timely, fair and proportionate decision‑making on nationally significant infrastructure projects, certain planning applications, local plans and planning appeals.
The Planning Inspectorate plays a central role in delivering the government’s ambitions to speed up planning decisions, thereby unlocking housing growth and economic development, while ensuring communities’ voices are heard and environmental protections upheld.
Alongside Ben’s appointment, the Minister has also confirmed extensions to the terms of two existing board members, Adrian Penfold and Oliver Munn, to September 2027, ensuring continuity and stability as the organisation continues to modernise and respond to the government’s ambitious agenda for planning.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said
“I’m delighted to confirm Ben Alexander’s appointment as Chair of the Planning Inspectorate Board.
“Ben has a proven track record of effective leadership, commercial expertise and successfully driving through organisation change in the public sector. He will make an invaluable contribution to ensuring the Inspectorate provides timely, high-quality and cost-effective decisions, recommendations and advice.
“I would also like to thank Trudi Elliott for her outstanding leadership over two terms, and to recognise the continued contribution of board members who have agreed to extend their service.”
Further information
Ben Alexander
Ben is currently Chair of the Industrial Development Advisory Board, an external member of the Cambridge University finance committee and serves as a commercial advisor at the Cabinet Office. He has previously held senior roles in international finance and asset management and brings extensive experience in governance, infrastructure and strategic decision‑making across both the public and private sectors.
For the other Planning Inspectorate board members, biographies are available here.