Sam Stafford begins his new role at HBF in July. Credit: via HBF

Stafford to leave Barratt for HBF

Sam Stafford will begin his role as planning director for the Home Builders Federation in July.

The current planning director, Andrew Whitaker, is retiring after 28 years with the trade association.

Stafford joins HBF from Barratt Developments, where he worked for more than seven years as regional strategic land director. Stafford began his planning career in 2002 and is the host of the 50 Shades of Planning podcast.

Speaking about Stafford’s hiring, HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: “[Stafford] brings a huge wealth of experience and his appointment will further strengthen our team as we work closely with the government on the future reforms.

“The problems our members are facing with regards to planning are never-ending, and it is paramount that we are best placed to help the industry continue to deliver the housing that the country needs.”

Stafford said he was “absolutely thrilled” to join HBF.

“There has arguably never been a more pressing need for a strong, confident planning system, but I am struggling to recall a time in my career when the system has conveyed the impression to the extent it is doing now as being the opposite of these things,” Stafford said.

“I will relish representing the house building industry in discussions with partners about how we work towards getting more and better local plans adopted and more and better applications approved.”

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great appointment

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