Mayors in England to receive new authority to overrule council planning decisions

England's mayors will be granted the ability to overrule local councils on planning applications that involve more than 150 homes, over 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or buildings taller than 30 metres. The new powers will apply in 13 combined authority regions such as Manchester, Liverpool, the West of England and the West Midlands, mirroring the existing “call-in” authority held by the London mayor. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook described the powers as essential for delivering housing targets and unlocking strategic growth sites.

The Conservatives questioned the loss of local decision-making, while the government stressed that councils will still handle the majority of applications and must follow planning rules. A consultation on the implementation of the powers is slated for publication next week.