Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's head of development management has recently been seconded to the Welsh Local Government Association as a planning advisor until April 2012.

Vicki Hirst's extensive planning experience working within local authorities secured her appointment to the two-month post, having worked for the National Park Authority for 11 years, as well as posts in Pembrokeshire County Council and a local authority in England.

Vicki said: "This is an exciting opportunity to work on behalf of local authorities in Wales on a number of emerging Welsh Government planning changes.

"These changes will ultimately lead to the first Planning Act in Wales since the Welsh Government gained primary legislative powers and the Act will set the framework for the future planning system in Wales."

Vicki will also be providing input on the planning aspects of the Green Paper Natural Environment Framework and discussions on the Single Environment Body, WLGA member training and induction materials (including Royal Town Planning Institute conference arrangements).

Her remit will also include Section 106 in relation to affordable housing and national planning policy changes with regard to the economy.