CHRIS Van Roon, Conservative Councillor for Stratton St Margaret, has been given the role of acting vice-chairman of the council's planning committee, because Coun Lisa Hawkes is on compassionate leave after the death of her husband, Maurice, 63.
Chris Van Roon, 24, is a geography graduate from Durham University, and has taken a special interest in planning since his election to the council in May 2003.
He said: "I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to lead the Conservative Group on planning issues until Lisa's return. Planning has always interested me, and is a critical issue in the future development of Swindon.
"I receive many letters and inquiries about planning applications in my ward, and I know that it is an issue which affects everyone in Swindon, whether it is a decision that must be made on granting permission for a large scale development, or simply for a conservatory."
Chris Van Roon has also been appointed to the post of deputy chairman of North Swindon Conservative Association.
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