PLANNING chief Martin Colvey has stepped down from his role at Purbeck District Council after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

The councillor, who was the district built environment spokesman, will continue attending council meetings and carrying out ward work.

He will be balancing these commitments with his medical treatment in the coming months.

Cllr Colvey was instrumental in establishing Purbeck’s core strategy development blueprint – which will shape future building in the district until 2026.

He also fought Purbeck’s corner when question marks arose over the future of Swanage’s proposed household recycling centre.

Despite financial constraints, the county council has since confirmed it will press ahead with the £2 million scheme.

District council leader David Budd said: “It is with regret that I pass on the news of councillor Colvey’s illness.

“I would like to thank Martyn for his very valuable contribution to the work of the council and, in particular, his involvement in steering the core strategy – planning Purbeck’s future through to near completion.

Until the end of the civic year Cllr Graham Holmes will serve as the new built environment spokesman.

He also takes Cllr Colvey’s vacant place on the transport policy development panel.

Cllr Wendy Starr becomes a member of the overview and scrutiny group, as Cllr Holmes is now ineligible to sit on that group as spokesman.

“Martyn will undertake a course of medical treatment over the next few months but anticipates fulfilling his commitments to council meetings and his ward during this time,” said Cllr Budd.

He added: “I am sure you will all join me in wishing Martyn a quick return to full health.”