Stories

Sun, 23 Aug 2026

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the change was "essential" for helping mayors "effectively deliver new homes".

* Mayors in England will gain new powers to overrule local councils on certain planning decisions.
* The change applies to proposals with more than 150 homes, commercial space exceeding 15,000 square meters, or buildings over 30 meters.
* The power is similar to Sir Sadiq Khan's "call-in" ability in London and will be available to mayors in 13 areas, including Manchester and the West Midlands.
* Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said the powers are essential for delivering new homes and regeneration.
* Conservative mayor Paul Bristow welcomed the change, saying it would help unblock stalled development projects and get new homes built.
* The government has promised to build 1.5 million homes in England by the end of the decade, but housebuilders have warned this target may be missed.
* Mayors will also gain the ability to grant "up-front permission" for developments, allowing building to begin without a developer having to apply.
* A consultation on how the powers will work is due to be published next week.
* Critics have accused the government of centralization and stripping councils of their decision-making power.