Neath Port Talbot Council has appointed Nicola Pearce as its new Corporate Director of Environment and Regeneration.

Currently the Council’s Head of Planning and Public Protection, she will take over from Gareth Nutt who will be retiring from his role as the Council’s Corporate Director of Environment at the end of this year.

The appointment was made after a full meeting of the Council last month.

Cllr Rob Jones, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said:

“As well as welcoming Nicola to this challenging, exciting and very important role, I would like to thank outgoing Director Gareth Nutt for his outstanding service and contribution towards developing the local economy and environment.

“I would also like to thank Gareth for his authorship of the Council’s Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy strategy, currently out for public consultation. It will form an important element of the Council’s strategy over the coming years.

“Nicola Pearce has the skills and experience, in particular, experience of working for Neath Port Talbot Council for many years, to be a real asset to this authority and to drive forward our ambitious policies. She was the outstanding candidate but there was very strong opposition for this role.”

Nicola Pearce said after her appointment:

“It’s a big job and a huge responsibility but I am ready for the challenge to deliver for Neath Port Talbot.”

The new Corporate Director of Environment and Regeneration (the title has changed from Corporate Director of Environment to reflect the Council’s emphasis on regeneration) will play a key role in helping the Council reach its three major goals.

These are:

• Ensuring our children and young people get the best start in life, so they can be the best they can be.
• Allowing all residents to take an active part in community life, socially and economically.
• Making our County Borough a vibrant, healthy and safe place to live, work and enjoy leisure time.

The Environment and Regeneration portfolio covers some of the Council’s most visible and important frontline services.

The new Corporate Director will advise the Chief Executive, Corporate Director Group and Elected Members on key environment issues and strategies as well as leading some of the Council’s most important regeneration and other partnership projects including decarbonisation and use of renewable energy.

The directorate covers key issues including regeneration, transport, job creation, planning, economic development, business growth, road safety, building control, streetscene and engineering, recycling and trading standards.