COLCHESTER Council’s lead planning officer has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in town planning.

Karen Syrett, lead officer for planning and place strategy at the council, is in the running for the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2022 for the East of England.

The awards gala will take place in Hylands House, Chelmsford on June 30.

The shortlisting follows Mrs Syrett’s contribution to planning and placemaking in the borough over many years, with her involvement in local government spanning more than three decades.

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A key part of her current remit is delivering what is known as Colchester’s Local Plan, which is drawn up by the Local Planning Authority to develop the borough.

Mrs Syrett is one of two regional finalists up for the Head Planner of the Year Award and if successful, she will go through to the national finals in London, which take place in November.

In response to the nomination, Mrs Syrett said: “I really am overwhelmed to have received this nomination especially as it comes from fellow planners.

“Planning is not a profession for the faint-hearted and I have been lucky to have worked with some fantastic people over the years who have all contributed to this nomination.”