Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook has today (September 1) confirmed the appointment of Dr David Prout CB as the new Chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), along with the reappointment of Valerie Owen OBE and Simon Blanchflower CBE to the board of the EDC.
David will oversee the ambitious regeneration project in Kent, which aims to deliver the first garden city in a hundred years. The completed development will include up to 15,000 new homes alongside new schools, parks, health facilities and a new civic and commercial centre. David takes up his post from 22 September 2025, with Simon Blanchflower acting as interim chair until then.
EDC is the planning authority for the development and has recently celebrated 10 years and the completion of the 5,000th home at Ebbsfleet.
They have also overseen the completion of three primary schools; two community buildings, parks and open space, new public transport links, local shops, pub, coffee shops and restaurant – with much more under construction.
Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:
“I’m really pleased that David has agreed to become the new Chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.
“His appointment will reinvigorate this vital regeneration project, helping to ensure that we accelerate the delivery of new homes in the Ebbsfleet Valley and provide essential infrastructure, amenities, and services for residents of Ebbsfleet Garden City.”
Further information
Dr David Prout CB
David has been Pro-Vice Chancellor (Planning and Resources) at Oxford University since September 2017 and will stand down on 17 September 2025. He had responsibility for the University’s financial and strategic planning, the estates and capital plan and the sustainability strategy, among other areas. David was Director General and SRO, High Speed 2, Department for Transport from January 2013 to June 2017.
Valerie Owen OBE
Valerie has valuable experience in placemaking, design and the built environment and with her deep understanding of the vision and purpose of EDC, she has continued to work hard to ensure the EDC and Ebbsfleet Garden City Trust are a success and cooperate efficiently.
Simon Blanchflower CBE
Simon has a clear understanding of the vision and purpose of the development corporation, with his civil engineering and project management expertise making a valuable contribution to the work of the development corporation. Simon will act as interim chair of the EDC until David begins his role as Chair on 22 September.
