Burnham set to hand mayors new powers over local planning decisions
Andy Burnham is preparing proposals to give England's regional mayors the power to take over major planning decisions and fast-track large developments, to be unveiled next week.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is expected to unveil proposals next week granting England's regional mayors new powers over local planning decisions. The plans would let mayors "call in" planning cases, directing councils to approve or reject them.
Mayors would also be able to grant upfront permission, allowing developers to begin building without submitting a separate application. The new powers would cover developments of more than 150 homes, commercial spaces larger than 15,000 square metres, or buildings 30 metres or taller — roughly 10 storeys.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Burnham acknowledged concerns that shifting such powers to mayors could weaken the influence of councillors, MPs and local residents. He argued the change cuts both ways, saying it is not solely about curbing local opposition to development — sometimes it is a council pushing forward a project that is unacceptable to the community, making it a "two-way street."
Ten of England's 14 devolved mayors, representing different parties, have already backed the proposal. It would bring their powers in line with those of London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who received similar authority earlier this year as an emergency measure to unblock dozens of stalled housing sites and speed up construction of affordable homes in the capital.
Context and criticism
Decisions would still need to comply with planning rules, local area plans and national policy, with ministers retaining a backstop power to intervene if needed. Mayors would also gain greater influence over how national housing funding from Homes England is spent in their regions, and would be able to levy a charge on developments to help fund major infrastructure.
The government has so far reached just over a quarter of its target to build 1.5 million homes in England within five years.
The Liberal Democrats strongly criticised the move, calling it a direct attack on communities that would silence residents. The party's housing spokesperson, Gideon Amos, said stripping power from councils and local people would not solve the housing crisis, urging the government instead to give councils the resources to deliver genuinely affordable homes.
