Fife Council has appointed Pam Ewen as the local authority’s new senior manager for planning.

Pam will lead on all aspects of planning including planning applications, planning policy and enforcement.

Since the launch of TAYplan in 2009, Pam has been in charge of the Strategic Development Planning Authority for the Dundee and Perth City Region in Scotland. Within three years TAYplan had won the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) overall UK award for Excellence in Planning and the Silver Jubilee Cup.

Prior to moving to TAYplan, Pam worked for nine years as a manager with Fife Council leading on strategic planning, economic policy, research and information, and the development of the seven large strategic developments areas across Fife. After graduating in the early 1990’s from Strathclyde University she began her career in local government in Ayr before moving to Central Region and then Clackmannanshire working across development management, project implementation and development planning.

Robin Presswood, head of economy, planning and employability services with Fife Council, said: “We’re delighted that Pam is joining us. She has an excellent track record at TAYPLan and a strong national reputation as the current convener of the RTPI in Scotland.”

Pam added: “I am delighted to be returning to Fife to lead its Planning Authority. I look forward to working with colleagues, elected members, communities and investors in constantly improving and helping deliver a better Fife.”

Pam has a degree in Town Planning and an MBA. She is a member of the RTPI, member of Heads of Planning Scotland executive and is a board member of the Scottish Cities Knowledge Centre.

Pam replaces Jim Birrell who recently retired after 44 years’ service to the community of Fife. He held a succession of posts within Fife including director of planning & building control and depute chief executive at North East Fife District Council before assuming responsibility for all Fife planning matters.

Jim is a past chairman of Heads of Planning Scotland and was a long standing and experienced member of its executive committee until he stood down in 2014.