Mayors across England are to be given new ‘call in’ powers to take the most important planning decisions in their areas.
Under the government’s new proposals, a mayor will now be able to take control of key planning applications and direct a council to approve or refuse planning consent.
Mayors will be able to use the new ‘call in’ powers on schemes featuring more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 sq m of commercial space, or any building of more than 30m. Mayors will also be able to grant up front permission for development so that building can begin without a developer having to apply.
Every decision must follow the planning rules, the area’s local plan and national policy. Applicants keep the right of appeal, and ministers retain a backstop power to intervene themselves.
Mayors will also have a bigger say over how national housing funding is spent in their areas. Homes England will still lead on the biggest projects, but its funding and expertise will be focused on the priorities agreed by local mayors.
Mayors outside London will also be able to charge a levy on development to fund major infrastructure, using the same tool that helped deliver the Elizabeth line.
The new proposal has been backed by 10 mayors from different parties and will bring mayors across the country in line with powers the mayor of London already has.
