STORY
Regional mayors across England are set to receive new powers allowing them to intervene in major local planning decisions and overrule councils as part of the Government’s drive to increase housebuilding. Under proposals announced on Sunday, mayors will be able to “call in” significant applications and direct councils to approve or refuse them, bringing their powers closer to those already available to the Mayor of London.
The new arrangements would apply to developments involving more than 150 homes, commercial schemes covering more than 15,000 square metres and buildings at least 30 metres tall. Mayors would also be able to grant permission in advance for development in designated areas. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the additional powers were an essential part of the tools mayors needed to deliver new homes and regeneration, while a public consultation on the proposals is expected to begin next week.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has argued that intervention may sometimes be necessary where local decision making prevents major development, although he has stressed that the powers could also be used to stop inappropriate schemes. The Conservatives have questioned whether councils should lose control over decisions affecting their communities, while the Liberal Democrats said the proposals risked weakening the voice of local residents. The changes form part of the Government’s wider devolution and housing programme and its commitment to build 1.5 million homes during the current Parliament.