Regional mayors granted greater powers over planning decisions

Regional mayors across England, including in Greater Manchester, are to be granted additional powers over planning decisions.

The move will allow mayors to ‘call in’ decisions for key planning applications which impact on local growth, and direct a council to take it forward or refuse it. Proposals will bring powers for regional mayors in line with those already devolved to the Mayor of London.

Schemes with more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres or taller (roughly ten storeys) will be in scope. Mayors will also have powers to able to grant up front planning permission for development, so that building can begin without a developer having to apply first.

Every decision must follow the planning rules, the local plan, and national policy. Applicants keep the right of appeal, ministers retain a backstop power to intervene themselves, and local councils will continue to decide the majority of applications.

Changes to give mayors greater power over planning will also see them gain a greater 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.

Additionally, mayors will also be able to charge a levy on development that can be used to help fund major infrastructure, similar to how funding was raised for the Elizabeth line in London.