Cambridge body names senior civil servant as CEO

The first chief executive of a new "Greater Cambridge" regeneration body has been named as senior civil servant David Hill.

Earlier this month, ministers confirmed a development corporation would be set up to deliver thousands of new homes and infrastructure across Cambridge city and South Cambridgeshire.

Announcing Hill's appointment, the government said he had held director-general roles at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) since 2019, leading on water, environment and strategy.

Hill said he was "honoured and excited to be taking up this new role".

The government said the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation would have the "powers and certainty to deliver infrastructure-first growth at scale".

However, opponents of the scheme have claimed the proposals are a "power grab".

Hill was interim Defra permanent secretary from June to September last year and was previously director of strategic commissioning and policy at Essex County Council.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: "Building on his strong track record in government, I know David will work closely with local partners to ensure the region is equipped with the powers and authority needed to deliver new housing, jobs and infrastructure at scale."

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