the changes were an “essential part” of the tools mayors need
Mayors across England are set to receive new powers allowing them to overrule local councils on some major planning decisions.
The changes will apply to developments involving more than 150 homes, over 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or buildings taller than 30 metres.
Mayors in 13 areas, including Greater Manchester, Liverpool, the West of England and the West Midlands, will receive powers similar to those already held by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
The powers would allow mayors to “call in” certain planning applications and review decisions made by local councils.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said the changes were an “essential part” of the tools mayors need to deliver new homes and regeneration.
However, the proposals have faced criticism from opposition parties, who argue that local councils should retain control over planning decisions.
Conservative Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said he would approve several blocked schemes if he had similar powers.
He said the schemes could help deliver new homes for families while supporting economic growth in the region.
Bristow argued that the powers would not necessarily mean ignoring residents.
Instead, he said the possibility of mayoral intervention could encourage developers and councils to reach compromises over controversial projects.
In London, where Khan already has similar powers, housebuilding has fallen in recent years.
However, Pennycook said the existing powers had helped unblock strategic development sites across the capital.
The government has stressed that local councils will continue deciding most planning applications.
Mayors would also have to follow existing planning rules when using their new powers.
The new measures are part of wider government plans to increase housebuilding across England.
Labour promised to build 1.5 million homes in England by the end of the decade.
Pennycook said the government remained “absolutely determined” to achieve the target.
He acknowledged that the target was “really stretching” but highlighted the number of children currently living in temporary accommodation.
Bristow disagreed, saying the government had “no chance whatsoever” of reaching the target without major changes to the planning system.
Mayors will also be able to grant “up-front permission” for certain developments.
The government says this could allow construction to begin without developers having to submit separate planning applications.
A consultation on how the new powers will work is expected next week.
The government also plans to give mayors a bigger say over how housing funding is spent in their areas.
However, the proposals have faced criticism from several opposition parties.
Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly accused Labour of stripping councils of their ability to make planning decisions locally.
Liberal Democrat Gideon Amos said taking powers from councils would also take powers away from local people.
Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali criticised the plans as further changes while councils face financial pressures.
Reform UK described the proposals as “centralisation in disguise”.
The government says councils will still decide most planning applications, while the new powers are intended to help deliver major housing and regeneration projects.
