Metro Mayors Gain New Planning Powers to Overrule Councils

Introduction

In a significant shift in planning authority, metro mayors across England are being granted new powers to override local councils on major development schemes. This initiative, spearheaded by the government, aims to accelerate housing delivery and address the pressing need for new homes in the country.

New Powers for Mayors

The Prime Minister has announced that combined authority mayors, including prominent figures such as Bev Craig, Steve Rotheram, Tracy Brabin, and Richard Parker, will be able to intervene in local planning decisions deemed detrimental to growth. This move mirrors similar powers already held by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who has previously overturned refusals for significant projects, including a 505-home development in Tottenham and plans for around 300 flats at High Barnet Station.

The new regulations will allow mayors to call in planning applications for developments that include:

• More than 150 homes
• Over 15,000 square metres of commercial space
• Buildings taller than 30 metres

Aiming for Housing Growth

The government aims to deliver 1.5 million homes in England within five years. This ambitious target highlights the urgency of addressing the housing crisis and the role that mayors can play in facilitating this growth. However, it is important to note that these new powers will not apply to every planning application. Smaller applications will still be handled by local planning authorities, allowing councils to maintain some level of control over their communities.

In St Helens, for instance, Cllr George Woodward, the council leader, noted that while the new powers are significant, no specific developments in the area have been earmarked for mayoral intervention at this time.

Support from Devolved Mayors

Ten out of the fourteen devolved mayors support the introduction of these new 'call-in' powers, recognising the potential for increased efficiency in the planning process. In Salford, for example, the local authority has successfully delivered 7,584 homes, surpassing its requirement of 4,249. This showcases how proactive planning can lead to successful outcomes, and mayors are now positioned to replicate this success across other regions.

Future Developments in Bristol

In Bristol, metro mayor Helen Godwin is set to oversee a Mayoral Development Zone aimed at delivering up to 6,000 new homes on the former Filton Airfield site. This initiative is part of a broader plan to create new towns in the area, including developments around Parkway station and the Western Innovation Arc, which aims to deliver 40,000 new homes and a similar number of jobs in the long term.

Conclusion

As the proposals are set to be published soon, the new powers for metro mayors represent a pivotal change in the landscape of local planning in England. With the potential to expedite the development of much-needed housing, these changes could significantly impact communities and the overall housing market. The consultation process is expected to commence shortly, with the aim of implementing these new rules by the end of the year under the English Devolution Act.