David Prout will head the board of government-owned developer starting this month
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has today confirmed the appointment of David Prout as the new chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EBC), a firm set up by the government.
Prout will oversee the EBC’s regeneration project in Kent, which will deliver 15,000 new homes alongside new schools, parks, health facilities and a commercial centre.
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.”
Prout has been pro-vice chancellor for planning and resources at Oxford University since 2017 and will stand down on 17 September 2025.
Prior to this, he was director general for High Speed 2 in the Department for Transport and director of local government policy in the Department for Communities and Local Government.
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He will take up his new post on 22 September 2025, with Simon Blanchflower acting as interim chair in the meantime.
Blanchflower has recently been reappointed to the board of EDC, alongside Valerie Owen, managing director of sustainable development consultancy Le Vaillant Owen.
EDC is the planning authority for the Ebbsfleet development and has recently celebrated 10 years and completion of the project’s 5,000th home.
So far, three primary schools have also been completed, as well as two community buildings, parks and open space, new public transport links, local shops, a pub, coffee shops and a restaurant.
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