Aideen Ratteray Pryse was today named the Island’s new Planning Director.She takes over the post from Trevor Leach, whose contract ends on May 31.Ms Pryse was Assistant Director of Planning until she left the department in 1999 and launched ARP Consulting Services.She has also acted as a consultant to the Ministry of the Environment and the Department of Planning, working on updating planning legislation and assisting with applications for development.Ms Ratteray Pryse said: “I believe the Department of Planning can be a constructive facilitator in the implementation of priorities such as the Island’s economic recovery and the National Tourism Plan.“Ultimately, I would like to see productive collaborations between the Department of Planning and those investing in our Island, be they developers, hoteliers, homeowners, artists, environmental stewards, students — whomever, really.“Once we expand the meaning and understanding of ‘investment’ we realise that all sorts of collaborations are possible that can improve Bermuda for everyone.”Minister of Environment and Planning Sylvan Richards thanked Mr Leach for six years of hard work.“The Department of Planning has made significantly positive strides under his leadership, and his wide knowledge of Bermuda’s Planning regime has proven an asset to all who have worked with him,” Mr Richards said.