His new role will involve hearing planning appeals, national infrastructure planning applications, examinations of local plans and other casework.

Rob Lucas, chief Executive of Turley said: “I am delighted for Paul. The Inspectorate will gain an experienced and wise practitioner. 

“We are most grateful for Paul’s exceptional efforts over the last 23 years and he joins PINS with our very best wishes.”

Formerly an office director in Turley’s Manchester office, his most recent role was in charge of the firm’s Expert Witness and CPO service.

Prior to joining Turley, he served as associate director at consultancy Franklin Stafford Partnership, and was a senor and principal planner at Salford City Council.

Singleton has a master’s degree in town and regional planning from the University of Sheffield and a bachelor’s in geography and politics from University of Bradford.