The appointment follows a review of the Inspectorate’s board which identified the need for further strategic leadership. Weller will work with other non-executive directors to support the executive management team through an advisory board.
Planning Inspectorate chief executive Simon Ridley said: “Having an independent chairman provides an important line of separation between my role as chief executive, in which I am accountable to DCLG , and independent support and challenge to our strategic direction.”
Having spent seven years as managing director of Argos, Weller currently holds positions on the boards of Lloyds Banking Group and United Utilities and also serves as the lead non-executive director at DCLG.
“I’m already familiar with the role of the Inspectorate and the extent to which it is held in high regard by such a diverse range of partners, from members of the public to planning professionals, government departments and ministers,” said Weller.
“It’s in all of our interests for the Inspectorate to retain this strong reputation as it continues to strive to be the foremost national body on planning knowledge and expertise”.