Tamworth council's planning director stepping down after just a year in the job

Brent McAlister has resigned from his position, citing family reasons.

Mr McAlister was hired by council after a year-long search for a new planning director.

During his short stint, he oversaw the comprehensive Blueprint 100, a long-term road map to how Tamworth can substantially grow to a six-figure population by 2041.

The document was publicly released on Friday for the first time and residents are encouraged to have their say on it.

Mr McAlister also oversaw a number of difficult circumstances including the Fitzroy Street redesign, after stating the original plan "hasn't worked" and leading council's opposition to the Longyard Gold Course housing development, which was recently lost on an appeal in the Land and Environment Court.

The long-time manager of Tamworth airport, Julie Stewart, has also handed in her resignation.