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Mayors in England get new powers to overrule some planning decisions
The rules apply to proposals over 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or buildings above 30 metres.
Mayors across England are set to receive expanded powers to overrule local councils on certain planning decisions, covering proposals with more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or buildings over 30 metres, according to BBC Business.
The change will extend similar authorities already used by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who can “call in” planning decisions, to mayors in 13 areas including Manchester, Liverpool, the West of England, and the West Midlands, with additional coverage across combined authorities in several other regions.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the powers are an “essential” tool for mayors to deliver new homes and regeneration, and he pointed to the ability to “unblock strategic growth sites” in London.
Alongside the call-in powers, mayors are expected to be able to grant “up-front permission,” which the government says would allow building to begin without a developer applying, while local councils would still make most decisions and all outcomes must follow planning rules, BBC Business reported.