What the proposed powers entail
The upcoming proposal from the Greater Manchester mayor aims to give elected mayors the ability to intervene directly in local planning decisions. Under the draft plan, a mayor could request a council to submit a planning application for review, effectively "calling in" the case. The mayor would then decide whether the proposal should proceed or be rejected.
Key features of the draft
- Mayors may request a council to pause a decision and forward it for mayoral review.
- The mayor would have the final say on whether the development is approved.
- The powers would apply to projects that meet a defined size threshold, focusing on large scale housing and infrastructure.
- Decisions made by a mayor could be challenged in the courts, preserving judicial oversight.
How mayors could intervene in planning decisions
When a mayor decides to intervene, the process would follow a clear timeline. First, the council would be notified of the mayor's intention to call in the case. Within a set period, the council must provide all relevant documents, including impact assessments and community feedback. The mayor then reviews the material, consults with planning experts, and issues a decision.
Potential benefits for development speed
Supporters argue that centralising decision making at the mayoral level could reduce delays caused by fragmented council negotiations. By having a single authority with a broader strategic view, projects that align with regional growth plans may progress more quickly.
Implications for housing supply
England faces a chronic shortage of affordable homes. The National Planning Policy Framework emphasizes the need for more housing, yet many local authorities struggle to meet targets due to planning bottlenecks. Granting mayors the power to approve large scale developments could unlock land that has been held back by prolonged council deliberations.
Link to national housing funding
In addition to planning authority, the proposal suggests that mayors would have a stronger voice in how central government housing funds are allocated. By aligning funding decisions with mayoral priorities, regions could better match investment to identified housing needs.
Potential challenges and criticism
While the plan promises efficiency, critics warn of reduced local accountability. Councils argue that mayors may not fully understand neighbourhood nuances, leading to decisions that overlook community concerns.
- Risk of politicising planning decisions.
- Potential for increased legal challenges if communities feel sidelined.
- Unclear criteria for what constitutes a "large scale" project could lead to inconsistent application.
Experts from the Cambridge research on housing supply note that successful planning reforms require both clear thresholds and robust public engagement mechanisms.
Next steps and political context
The draft will be presented to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities next week. If approved, the powers could be rolled out in the next fiscal year, giving mayors a new tool ahead of the upcoming local elections.
Parliamentary scrutiny is expected, with the House of Commons research briefing highlighting the need for clear safeguards to protect local democracy.
For further details on the legal framework, see the National Planning Policy Framework. The UK government planning guidance also outlines the current responsibilities of local authorities.
Ultimately, the success of mayoral planning powers will depend on how they balance speed with transparency, and whether they can deliver the housing needed without eroding community trust.
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