Burnham to Hand Mayors New Planning Powers for Large-scale Developments

Andy Burnham is set to hand mayors new powers to take control of local planning decisions to build large-scale developments such as houses, tower blocks and skyscrapers. In proposals to be unveiled next week, the prime minister will allow mayors to overrule councils in order to "call in" the decisions and direct councils to take them forward or refuse them. The move means mayors will also be able to grant upfront permission so developers can start building without having to apply, and will apply to developments of more than 150 homes, commercial spaces of more than 15,000 square metres or any building 30 metres or taller – which is roughly 10 storeys.

But the Liberal Democrats said the move was a "direct attack" that would silence residents. Gideon Amos, the party's housing and planning spokesperson, said: Taking powers away from communities and local councillors is taking powers away from local people. This plan is a direct attack on communities across the country. Labour's chaotic patchwork approach to devolution will simply not work to solve the housing crisis.