Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has named Sir Michael Pitt as the preferred candidate for the post of Chair of the new Infrastructure Planning Commission and announced it will be located in Bristol.

Sir Michael will be the first Chair of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), which is being set up under the 2008 Planning Act to take decisions on planning applications for infrastructure proposals that are of national significance.

Ms Beckett said: "The IPC will have a vital role to play in creating a faster and fairer process for taking the big decisions that affect our national infrastructure, and the economy as a whole.


"I believe Sir Michael has first-class credentials for this important job and has the wide range of experience needed to lead the Commission at this challenging time for the organisation."

Sir Michael Pitt said: "This is an exciting opportunity. I am looking forward to assembling the team and working closely with all concerned in order to establish the Commission's new role in a 21st Century planning process."

It has also been announced today that the headquarters of the IPC will be based in Bristol.

Sir Michael's appointment is subject to endorsement by the Communities and Local Government Select Committee. The Committee will hold a pre-appointment hearing and report on his suitability for the post, in line with proposals announced last year to increase democratic scrutiny of key public appointments.

(CD/JM)