The City of London Corporation has today (Tuesday 30 April) elected Alastair Moss as its new Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee.

Previously Deputy Chair, Moss will now lead on all planning issues affecting the Square Mile, Europe’s financial and related professional services centre. His role will also cover the City Corporation’s responsibility as a highway authority, ensuring that the City and its residents and workers enjoy safe, navigable streets and a good public transport system, in addition to well planned, and innovative buildings.

In his new role, Moss is particularly committed to tackling road safety, having previously campaigned to secure the City’s 20mph speed limit, making the Square Mile one of the first areas in London to implement such a scheme. He also aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Moss will be responsible for delivering the City Corporation’s most ambitious local plan to date, using planning strategies to deliver growth whilst creating more accessible, and environmentally sustainable buildings and public spaces.

Moss has six years as an elected Member at the City Corporation, and has served as Deputy Chair of the Investment Committee, and Chair of the Property Investment Board. Today he replaces Chris Hayward, who has served his full three-year term.

Commenting after his election as Chair, Alastair Moss said:

“I have worked in the City almost my entire career and am excited to take on this significant role.

“As Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee, I aim to build on my background in property law and local government planning to best support the needs of workers, residents and visitors.

“I look forward to working with stakeholders in the property and transport industries, and colleagues across London to ensure the City remains a vibrant destination to live, work and visit.”

Outgoing Chairman Chris Hayward also commented:

“Serving as Chairman for the past three years through a very interesting and challenging time for the City has been a great privilege.

“A number of major schemes have been approved during this time including the Tulip, 1 Undershaft, 1-2 Broadgate, 100 Leadenhall Street, Deutsche Bank’s HQ at 21 Moorfields, and the opening of Bloomberg’s new European HQ. This demonstrates the continued attractiveness of the City as an investment hub.

“We have also taken a number of steps to realise our vision of the Square Mile as a 24/7 destination including the Ned Hotel and the recent opening of the Fen Court roof garden. Safety has been a priority as demonstrated by the delivery of the scheme at Bank junction, which has seen a huge reduction in collisions since its implementation. We have also undertaken projects to improve the Square Mile’s physical environment, as shown vividly by the transformation of the public space at Aldgate Square.

“I am confident that Alastair’s industry expertise will be an asset to futureproofing the City of London and look forward to working closely with him in my capacity as Deputy Chairman over the next year.”

Moss has 20 years’ of commercial and residential property expertise, and is Co-Head of Real Estate at City law firm Memery Crystal LLP.

He is a Non-Executive Director of Civitas Social Housing plc, a Trustee of Marshall's Charity, which makes grants to support churches in England and Wales, and volunteers as an officer in the Army Reserve.

He previously served 12 years as an elected member of Westminster City Council, principally as Chairman of the Planning & City Development Committee.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk