Chairman Lipton leaves CABE

Sir Stuart Lipton has stepped down as chairman of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Sir Stuart, who has held the position since 1999, confirmed that it had always been his intention to step down once the appointment of CABE's new chief executive Richard Simmons was announced.

"I feel it is appropriate to announce my intention on the eve of publication of the findings of the independent audit of CABE's activities to enable the organisation to respond freely to the report's recommendations," Lipton said.

"I know that I am handing on a mature and high achieving organisation that will go from strength to strength."

Lipton has been a highly successful leader. Newly released results of a comprehensive Stakeholder Review, undertaken by the Office for Public Management show:

• 94% of national, regional and local partners expressed satisfaction with CABE's performance;
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• 86% of clients who had submitted a scheme to CABE's Design Review Committee said they found the process useful and three quarters (77%) had altered their design in light of comments made by CABE.
  
• 75% of clients who had worked with a CABE Enabler believe that this assistance will mean they have a higher quality building or project at the end of the process.