Mayors to get new powers over planning decisions under Burnham proposals

Andy Burnham, the Labour Party mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to propose new powers for mayors to control planning decisions and greenlight large-scale developments. The move, to be presented next week, would allow mayors to "call in" decisions and direct councils to proceed or reject them. They will also have the authority to grant upfront approval, enabling developers to start construction without a full application process.

The proposal aims to prevent "nimby" councils from blocking significant projects that could stimulate local growth and help the government achieve its housing target of building 1.5 million homes by the end of the current parliamentary term. However, Burnham acknowledged that this could also lead to mayors opposing projects that councils favor, stating that "sometimes ... challenge does need to be made to local decision-making."

The measures would apply to developments with over 150 homes, commercial spaces exceeding 15,000 square meters, or buildings 30 meters or taller. Ten of the 14 devolved mayors from various parties have expressed support for the proposal. In line with London Mayor Sadiq Khan's recent empowerment, Burnham believes this change will lead to a more collaborative approach to planning and local authority relations.

The government is currently on track to meet only a quarter of its housing goal, a challenge that Housing Secretary Angela Rayner insists remains unaltered. Mayors will still have to adhere to planning rules, local area plans, and national policy, with ministers retaining the power to intervene. Mayors will also gain more control over national housing funding from Homes England and the ability to levy development fees to finance significant infrastructure.

Critics, including the Liberal Democrats, argue that this move is an "attack" on local residents and communities. The plan is seen as a "direct attack" by Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrats' housing and planning spokesperson, who claims it would silence residents and grant mayors a "blank cheque." Burnham faces a challenging autumn amid high borrowing concerns, the ongoing Iran war, and upcoming decisions on immigration policy.