Meet Keith Dingwall: Head of Development

With a career spanning over 20 years in local government, our new Head of Development Keith Dingwall brings a wealth of experience and insight to East Lothian’s growth and sustainability. After graduating with a degree in Town Planning in 1998, he joined the authority as a Planning Enforcement Officer, an early role he fondly describes as “the planning police”, investigating unauthorised developments and gaining a deep understanding of planning legislation.

Keith’s career progressed, he was most recently Service Manager for Planning and Chief Planning Officer, before he was appointed our new Head of Development in May.

In his new role, Keith oversees not only the planning service but also economic development, tourism and major strategic projects including the creation of a new town at Blindwells, the development of the former Cockenzie power station site and the Innovation Park at Queen Margaret University.

Keith is passionate about fostering sustainable economic growth – places where people can live, work and play, saying: “In recent decades, there's been unprecedented levels of new housing in East Lothian which is helping to address the national housing crisis. However, growth brings challenges. It's important we're very careful that we ensure that we don't just get the housing, but we also get the necessary infrastructure because that's what makes truly sustainable communities.”

Many of the large-scale projects that planning considers can be many years in development and, in the case of Blindwells, will unfold over decades. What excites Keith most about his new position and opportunities in the short and medium term? “It’s the new challenge,” he says. “Joining the Corporate Management Team, helping shape the council’s direction, and working with new colleagues. It’s opened-up a whole new set of opportunities and I’m really enjoying it.”