Manchester City Council is to abolish its head of planning post – one of a host of highranking roles facing the axe, which the authority says will, in total, save more than £1m a year.

Peter Babb, head of planning and building control, is to take early retirement, and his role will be discontinued. Steve Mycio, the council's deputy chief executive (regeneration), is also to leave as part of a shake-up of the council's planning and regeneration services. The post is to be abolished.