The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has appointed Nicola Gandy as its new development management team leader.

Nicola moves to the authority having previously fulfilled a number of planning roles at Bridgend County Borough Council over a period of 12 years.

National Park Authority director of park direction and planning, Jane Gibson, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Nicola to this extremely important role. She brings with her vast experience from every level of the planning service and a range of new ideas.”

Nicola will be heading the team responsible for the delivery of the authority’s statutory development management (control) planning function, guiding applicants through the planning process.

She takes over at a time when the authority’s performance is in the top four in Wales, with over 93 per cent of all applications being determined within the eight-week Welsh Government target.

Nicola commented: “I’ve visited the Pembrokeshire Coast many times, but am looking forward to getting to know the area in more detail. I’ll be heading up the team to install new software to aid our efficiency and to make the planning function of the National Park more accessible to the public.

“This will complement the already successful weekly planning surgery and the pre-application service for which there is a fee.”

The planning surgery takes place every Thursday from 10 am - 4 pm at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Headquarters at Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock.

Before attending the office, please contact the authority’s customer service team on 01646 624800 or email [email protected] to book an appointment.

Requests for planning application forms and routine queries can still be obtained at any time by calling the administrative team on 01646 624800 or emailing [email protected].