CB Richard Ellis planner Nick Cuff is leaving the firm to become chairman of the planning committee at the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Cuff has worked in the city planning team at CBRE for three years. Before training as a planner, he spent over five years working in political communications including as a shadow ministerial adviser to the Conservative party.  He is also a former council member of the Bow Group think tank.

The London Borough of Wandsworth contains several major projects with strategic importance for London, including Treasury Holdings’ Battersea Power Station scheme which is expected to go to committee later this year.

Other major sites in the borough include Clapham Junction, the US Embassy and New Covent Garden. Consultation began recently on a London Underground Northern Line extension to the Nine Elms regeneration area.

Cuff said: “It’s a huge job with a lot of responsibility. We have some major schemes coming forward over the next 2 years. This is a huge opportunity to shape the borough.

“With my commercial property background I understand how the industry works so I can have a political hat on but also a property hat on as well.”

Cuff takes on the role after a cabinet reshuffle which will see former planning committee chairman Leslie McDonnell move to chair an overview and scrutiny committee.

• Milton Keynes planning head Hackforth to retire
• Planning apps influx due for London, says Loveday
• Views sought on Tube extension
• BCO conference: Boris could take HCA’s role in London
• Labour takes over 16 town halls