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.
A consultation detailing the operation of these powers is scheduled for publication next week; ministers retain a backstop power to intervene in decisions.
The initiative allows mayors to 'call in' decisions, directing councils to either proceed with or refuse development proposals; mayors will also gain the ability to grant upfront permission for developers, bypassing individual applications.
These expanded powers are understood to align with those granted to Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan earlier this year.
Sir Sadiq Khan's augmented authority was billed as an emergency measure, aimed at unblocking dozens of stalled sites to get thousands more affordable homes built in the capital.
Ten of the 14 devolved mayors from different parties have reportedly backed the move.
Mayors will also secure greater influence over the allocation of national housing funding from Homes England within their respective areas.
Additionally, they will be authorized to impose a levy on development, earmarking funds for major infrastructure projects.
The Government has completed just over a quarter of its ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes in England over five years.
The Conservative Party questioned whether it was right for councils to lose the "ability to make planning decisions in their own communities."
Sir James Cleverly asserted that the Conservatives are the sole party with a viable plan to revitalize Britain's building and movement, citing their proposal to scrap stamp duty on the family home.
Sir James Cleverly further claimed that Labour mayors have consistently failed to meet established housing targets.
Westminster is stretching its tentacles outward instead of giving real power, resources and decision-making capabilities to devolved authorities.
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."
Andy Burnham acknowledged the necessity of challenging local decision-making, noting, "Sometimes… challenge does need to be made to local decision-making, and actually it cuts both ways."
Burnham 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 Liberal Democrats characterized the move as a “direct attack” that would silence residents.
Gideon Amos stated, "Taking powers away from communities and local councillors is taking powers away from local people."
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.
Amos continued, "This plan is a direct attack on communities across the country."
He further criticized, "Labour's chaotic patchwork approach to devolution will simply not work to solve the housing crisis."
Amos concluded, "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."