Insider Media Limited

Simon Smales, the interim director of city planning at Nottingham City Council has declined to take the role up full-time, Insider has learnt. Smales has cited a change in his personal circumstances as the reason for relinquishing the post.

An email circulated by corporate director Jennifer Dearing to council staff read: “Simon did a great deal during his time with us and I know that you will join me in wishing him all the very best for the future.

“I realise that Simon was well-liked by his colleagues and that this news will not be welcome at a time of great uncertainty for you all. We are mid-way through the implementation stages of the planning re-organisation and many of you are waiting for the results of the recent recruitment process.

“Due to Simon’s sudden departure, the process has stalled slightly but following my meetings today with your heads of service and HR. I am confident that between us we can let you know the outcome of the round one recruitment process by the end of next week and commence the next round as soon as possible.”

Nottingham City Council has had ongoing problems with filling the role of director of city planning – something Dearing was quick to point out in her memo. She said: “As you are aware, the director of city planning post has proved immensely difficult to fill over a number of years and we will be considering all the options before any decision is reached on further recruitment efforts.

"In the meantime, it is my intention to make a temporary appointment and I will let you know how this is to be achieved as soon as possible.”

Dearing herself is a former interim planning director. Nottingham City Council has not had a full-time director of planning since Adrian Jones, who gave his notice in early 2007.