Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions

Mayors in England will soon have the authority to overrule decisions made by local councils on planning matters, particularly for large-scale developments such as housing projects or commercial spaces exceeding specific thresholds. This new power will be granted to mayors in 13 areas across England, including Manchester, Liverpool, and the West Midlands, as well as in Combined Authorities in various regions like North East England, South Yorkshire, and Tees Valley.

The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the government to boost housebuilding and regeneration efforts. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized that these powers are crucial for effectively delivering new homes and urban development. However, the Conservatives have expressed concerns about the potential loss of local control over planning decisions, questioning whether it is appropriate for mayors to assume such authority.

The government insists that local councils will still retain the ability to make decisions on the majority of planning applications, and that all decisions must comply with existing planning regulations. The new powers will also grant mayors the ability to grant upfront permission for development, allowing construction to begin without developers having to apply for planning permission first.

A consultation on the specifics of these powers is set to be published in the coming week. The government argues that these changes are necessary to help meet the ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes in England by 2028, a goal that has been challenged by low building rates in recent years. However, critics from opposition parties and within the ruling party have raised concerns about the potential centralisation of power away from local communities and councils.