Leading planning and housing charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), has today announced that its Chief Executive, Gideon Amos OBE, will be leaving at the end of February 2010 to take up a senior Public Appointment.

Gideon has been at the TCPA for nearly 10 years and in that time has overseen the Association grow in size and influence, leading the debate in innovative policy development around housing, sustainable development, climate change and community empowerment.

TCPA Chief Executive Gideon Amos OBE said:

"The TCPA's vital campaigning on the nation's housing, environmental and climate challenges has inspired its many members, volunteers and staff over the years, with whom it has been a privilege to work alongside with. I am delighted to be moving to a new and challenging role - the more so since I know the Association's team, led by Sir Peter Hall, Lee Shostak and the senior staff, offers a formidable force to take us towards the goal of decent homes, stronger communities and a sustainable future - through planning."

TCPA Chair, Lee Shostak said:

"Whilst the TCPA is saddened to be losing Gideon, this is excellent news for the nation to have gained such an exceptional individual who is passionate about achieving sustainable communities through planning. The Association's strength today is, in no small part, due both to Gideon's own efforts and to his leadership of the team that he has built in furthering its objectives and we wish him all the best in his new position."

Details of Gideon's new position will be announced by Government in the coming weeks and the Board of Trustees will shortly commence making arrangements to appoint a successor.

Gideon Amos and Lee Shostak will join a line up of key speakers next week at the TCPA's Annual Conference - Social justice, climate change and planning, including the Rt Hon John Healey MP, Minister for Housing and Planning, and expert contributors from the public sector, NGOS, and academia in the UK and mainland Europe.