One of the most important figures in Sittingbourne’s multi-million pound redevelopment project has quit her £85,000 a year post after less than a year in the role.

The resignation of Swale council’s regeneration director Kathryn Carr was announced today and a statement from the authority said her departure was due to family issues.

The position she has vacated has been filled temporarily by Emma Wiggins, who was previously the council’s head of economy and community services.

Council chief exec Abdool Kara said he was sorry to announce Ms Carr had left. “A number of family issues have arisen that make it very difficult for her to continue working in Kent at the present time,” he added.

“Kathyrn has made important contributions to taking forward Swale’s regeneration ambitions and brought fresh thinking, ideas and contacts that will play a key role in further shaping the delivery of our plans, and supporting the drive for financial self-sufficiency.”

Ms Carr, whose last official day was on Wednesday, has been off work since the end of May. She looked after an annual budget of more than £5 million and her brief included overseeing the multi-million pound project to redevelop Sittingbourne town centre, which has been dogged by delays.

She replaced former regeneration chief Pete Raine who retired at the end of October last year.

When she was recruited, Cllr Mike Cosgrove (Con), cabinet member for regeneration, said she was picked from a strong field of candidates and expectations were high.

He said it was a “crucial role” and it was one of the most senior positions at Swale.

Ms Carr had been head of strategic development and regeneration at Bolton council and before that worked on similar projects in Manchester.

Ahead of her arrival, she spoke about unlocking Swale’s “full potential”. On leaving, she said: “Swale is a hidden gem and I feel privileged to have worked with some fantastic colleagues and partners towards unlocking its huge potential.

“I am sorry to be leaving, and wish Swale every success in realising its exciting regeneration vision.”