New planning director to enable housing, growth and thriving communities across Dorset

Dorset's future homes, jobs and communities will be at the heart of a new leadership appointment at Dorset Council.

Anna Lee has been appointed Corporate Director for Planning, bringing almost two decades of local government experience and a clear passion for helping create places where people can thrive.

Many residents, community groups and developers will already be familiar with Anna's work. Since Dorset Council was created in 2019, she has led the team responsible for determining applications and overseeing planning rules across the council area.

Starting her career as a planning assistant in 2008, Anna has worked across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Dorset, including five years at Purbeck District Council before joining Dorset Council.

Anna said: "For me, this profession has always been about making a positive difference to people's lives. Done well, it helps create the homes, jobs and infrastructure communities need while protecting the qualities that make places special.

"We already have strong foundations in Dorset and I want to build on those. My ambition is for a customer-focused, professional and efficient service that enables sustainable growth, responds to the climate and nature crisis and helps create communities for all. 

'We will need to retain our focus on robust, objective assessment of proposals, to ensure our decisions are achieving the right balance between enabling homes and jobs and protecting Dorset's outstanding natural assets"

"It's also important that everyone working in the service can see how their work contributes to the council's wider priorities."

As Corporate Director for Planning, Anna will lead planning services and help deliver the council's priorities, including providing affordable and high-quality housing, growing the economy, supporting communities and responding to the climate and nature crisis.

One of Anna's first priorities will be driving forward Dorset's local plan, which will help shape how the county grows over the coming decades and identify where new homes, employment opportunities and infrastructure are needed.

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, said: "Anna has already made a huge contribution since joining Dorset Council and knows both Dorset and local government.

"This is a really important role. The decisions we make today will influence where people live, where businesses invest and how our communities develop in the years ahead.

"Anna understands the need to strike the right balance between supporting economic growth, delivering much-needed homes and protecting the unique character and environment that make Dorset such a special place. I'm delighted she will be leading this work."