The head of a development firm that put forward a controversial housing application for Ponteland is leaving his post.
Barry Moat has decided to step down as chairman of Lugano Group. He has been replaced by Richard Robson.
It has also appointed planning director Scott Munro and commercial director Allan Henderson to its board.
Earlier this year, Lugano appealed the decision by Northumberland County Council’s west area planning committee last October to turn down its outline proposal for up to 280 homes and other facilities on a site at Birney Hill, which is in the green-belt.
Mr Robson said: “These board appointments strengthen our position as a key player in the North East and build on our successes to date.
“Barry’s input has been pivotal in creating the new team and these most recent changes have been in development for some time.
“It marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the company. We have an exciting and innovative portfolio of projects that the team will take forward over the coming months and years.”