The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has announced the appointment of Catherine Williams as its Planning Director. Catherine, who will formally join HBF in July, is currently a Regional Planning Director at Bellway Homes.

Having worked as a planner for over 15 years, with experience in the private and public sectors, Catherine has been responsible for developing critical planning strategies and advising on major planning applications.

Prior to joining Bellway in 2022, Catherine spent a decade at Savills, where, as a Director within the planning team, she worked closely with the home building industry and developed a wealth of experience in supporting residential-led, mixed-use developments.

She will replace Sam Stafford, who left HBF earlier this month. Catherine will lead HBF’s Planning team, representing HBF’s membership at a local and national level, playing a critical role in promoting solutions to the day-to-day and strategic planning challenges facing the industry.

Catherine Williams, on her appointment, says: “I am delighted to be joining HBF at such a pivotal time for the home building industry.

“Recent planning reforms have paved the way for accelerating house building but there is more to be done to speed up planning decisions and develop more effective Local Plans. I am excited to be representing home builders to support the increased delivery of high quality and sustainable new homes.”

On Catherine’s appointment, Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive at the Home Builders Federation, said: “With the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the horizon, planning has never been a more significant issue for the home building industry.

“Catherine’s experience and expertise in navigating strategic plans and planning policy will be vital if we are to streamline the planning process and unblock the housing pipeline.”