A NEW senior officer is set to be appointed at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to help guide key initiatives in the area.

Councillors at the borough council have approved the appointment of Ian Boll to the post of executive director of borough development and deputy chief executive.

Currently Mr Boll leads on strategic infrastructure planning at Northamptonshire County Council, after a period as acting executive director.

There he is developing the strategic infrastructure plan for Northamptonshire, supporting sustainable growth.

In his new role, Mr Boll will oversee the building of homes and community facilities at Manydown and the regeneration of Basing View business district in Basingstoke town centre, as well as ensuring a high quality of life through cultural and leisure facilities and activities.

His key responsibilities also include promoting the borough for inward investment, attracting new employers and helping businesses to grow to keep the local economy booming.

He will lead work with key partner organisations to coordinate services and initiatives for the local area.

Chief executive of the borough council Mel Barrett said: “Following a rigorous selection process Ian was the unanimous choice for this important role.

“The council is working innovatively with the property industry using our own land and resources and partnered by ‘best in class’ developers to take strides forward on delivering an ambitious vision for our borough. Ian will be a great asset, bringing extensive project management experience in delivering sustainable developments, especially around transport.”

Mr Boll will take up the roll subject to approval from full council and is hoped to start in autumn.