Chris Telford is Principal Development and Planning Consultant at the Mining Remediation Authority, with over 30 years of diverse experience spanning managerial roles within local government, national consultancy, and with the Mining Remediation Authority. His professional background covers planning policy, development management, regeneration, heritage and landscape conservation, and specialist advisory work across England, Scotland and Wales.

A chartered town planner, Chris has led and developed high‑performing teams, notably strengthening the Mining Remediation Authority’s statutory planning function and expanding its non‑statutory advisory services. Since 2024, Chris has provided specialist planning and development support across corporate development projects, property initiatives, innovation programmes, and mine heat licensing. His work frequently involves rapid, high‑quality responses to complex planning enquiries, detailed technical assessments, and strategic input on emerging corporate policy — particularly around mine entries and mining‑legacy risk management.