Croydon’s planning chief has left his job after just six months.

Stephen McDonald was lauded when he was recruited in August after being at the helm of Hackney’s Olympic legacy scheme.

But today Croydon Council announced he was to leave his position as executive director for planning and the environment after a “difference in expectations over the balance of the role”.

A statement from the council added: “This decision is not a reflection of Stephen’s performance in his short time with the council.

“Indeed, the authority is grateful to Stephen for his contribution and for having the foresight to recognise that the scope of the role was not playing to his strengths in the way the council and he hoped it would.

“Given this disappointing outcome, the council will not rush into making a like-for-like appointment.

“Instead, time will be taken to review the scope of the role and the market. In the meantime, the three experienced divisional directors will report directly to the chief executive.”

Mr Mcdonald came with a glowing reputation and his appointment was seen as a coup by many.

At the time of his recruitment, Croydon Council leader Mike Fisher said: “With his extensive knowledge of major capital regeneration, he’s exactly the right man to take Croydon forward at this exciting time.”