TAUNTON-based developer Summerfield has continued to grow its team with the appointment of a new divisional director in its residential division, Summerfield Homes.

Neal Jillings joins the housebuilder as divisional director for strategic land and planning in his new role based at the firm’s head office, bringing with him more than two decades' experience within residential development across the South West.

Mr Jillings is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and has a wealth of specialist knowledge and experience. This includes working for a local planning authority, the Planning Inspectorate, Savills and running his own practice where recently he has been working with the team at Summerfield Homes as a consultant.

In his new role, he will be responsible for identifying and progressing future opportunities for housing schemes in the South West in line with Summerfield Homes’ growth plans.

He will also be working on the planning strategy for some of the company’s existing strategic land assets from Plymouth to North Somerset.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Jillings said: “I have enjoyed working with Summerfield Homes as one of my key clients and taking up this offer is a fantastic opportunity for me.

"I have worked in planning and development throughout the South West for almost 30 years.

"I hope to bring some of that experience to bear in helping Summerfield Homes maintain its position as a respected and successful regional housebuilder.”

Summerfield Homes managing director Ed Khodabandehloo said: “I am pleased to continue our growth plans with the appointment of such a highly qualified and well-respected professional as Neal.

"We have some exciting strategic land holdings across Devon and Somerset and with Neal on board we can really focus on bringing these to fruition as well as adding to the company’s expanding land portfolio."