WORCESTERSHIRE-based Neil Grinnall Homes has appointed a new land director, enabling the company to push forward with its ambitious growth plans in the Midlands.

Russell Ranford will head the land team, which is on target to acquire 10 development sites before the end of 2004.

Mr Ranford, aged 29, is Neil Grinnall Homes' youngest ever director, having previously worked for Miller Homes West Midlands andWestbury Homes, and as a planning officer for Bromsgrove District Council and Gloucester City Council.

His role will see him building on existing relationships with local authorities, property trading specialists, other developers and land owners of former industrial and commercial premises that are ripe for re-development.