Mayors to Gain Sweeping Planning Powers Over Local Councils
New proposals grant mayors authority to overrule local decisions on large-scale housing and commercial developments, sparking debate on local democracy.
Callum Smith
Mayors across England will receive new powers to overrule local councils on specific planning decisions.
The initiative empowers mayors to "call in" decisions, directing councils to either approve or reject proposals; they will also grant upfront permission for developers, bypassing individual application processes.
Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, received similar authority earlier this year; ten of the 14 devolved mayors, representing various parties, have already endorsed the plan.
Andy Burnham acknowledged the necessity of challenging local decision-making, stating, "Sometimes… challenge does need to be made to local decision-making, and actually it cuts both ways."
It’s not all about Nimbyism. Sometimes it’s the other way round. It’s a local authority putting forward something that’s unacceptable in terms of the impact on the community… so it’s a two-way street.
He added, "It’s not all about Nimbyism. Sometimes it’s the other way round. It’s a local authority putting forward something that’s unacceptable in terms of the impact on the community… so it’s a two-way street."
The Conservative Party questioned the propriety of councils losing their "ability to make planning decisions in their own communities."
Sir James Cleverly claimed Labour mayors had failed to meet housing targets, asserting the Conservatives are the only party with a plan to get Britain building and moving again with their plan to scrap stamp duty on the family home.
Reform UK accused Labour of "centralisation in disguise," stating, "Westminster is stretching its tentacles outward instead of giving real power, resources and decision-making capabilities to devolved authorities."
Gideon Amos stated, "Taking powers away from communities and local councillors is taking powers away from local people."
Amos continued, "This plan is a direct attack on communities across the country. Labour's chaotic patchwork approach to devolution will simply not work to solve the housing crisis. Instead of silencing residents and handing mayors a blank cheque, the Government should be empowering local councils with the resources to deliver genuinely affordable homes alongside the infrastructure to support them."
The Government reportedly directed councils to give a default 'yes' to housing near railway stations, even within the Green Belt, despite the 2024 Labour manifesto pledging not to alter the Green Belt's purpose and general extent.
Housebuilders currently hold land with planning permission for 1.4 million homes; nearly half the dwellings approved over the previous decade remain unbuilt.
Ministers are reportedly amending the requirement for Sports England to be consulted on planning applications and have instructed the Environment Agency to wave plans through while they slash protection for wildlife, nature, and the landscape from development.