Aberdeen’s planning chief has said she is “absolutely delighted” to be quitting the city council for a law firm.
Maggie Bochel has announced that she will join Burness Paull in September, ending 10 years as the local authority’s head of planning.
Over the years Ms Bochel has been at the heart of several controversial planning applications and the development of high-profile council policies, and local plans.
They have included the row over the raising of Union Terrace Gardens, the Marischal Square offices scheme at Broad Street, First Group’s global headquarters at King Street, as well as transport schemes such as the third Don crossing and Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
Announcing her departure for the council last night, Ms Bochel said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Burness Paull at this very exciting time for the firm.
“Their highly regarded Aberdeen planning division has an excellent reputation and I am very much looking forward to helping contribute to the continued success of the team, the firm and its clients.”
Elaine Farquharson-Black, a partner at Burness Paull, said: “Maggie is recognised by her peers as a leading expert in planning and her experience will help guide Burness Paull clients through the complexities of planning in Scotland.
“We regularly submit planning applications for clients that require planning reports and liaison with local communities and councillors.
“Maggie will bring that experience at the highest level.”