The government has announced that mayors across England will be given more power over planning decisions in their region. Under the proposals, which will be published next week, a mayor will be able to 'call in' decisions and direct councils to take them forward or refuse them.
Upfront permission for large developments
Mayors will also be able to grant upfront permission so developers can start building without having to apply. This will apply to developments of more than 150 homes, commercial spaces of more than 15,000 square metres, or any building 30 metres or taller – roughly 10 storeys.
The decisions must be in line with planning rules, local plans set out for areas, and the national policy, with ministers retaining a backstop power to intervene.
Mayors to influence housing funding and infrastructure levy
Mayors will also have a bigger say over how national housing funding is spent in their areas and will be able to charge a levy on development to fund major infrastructure.
Andy Burnham told The Sunday Times that he understood the argument that devolving powers to mayors to push through such projects could disempower councillors, MPs and constituents. He said: “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.”
Liberal Democrats criticise the move
However, the Liberal Democrats said the move was a “direct attack” that would silence residents. Gideon Amos, the party’s housing and planning spokesperson, said: ”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.”
A consultation will be published next week.
