Mayors to get new powers over planning decisions under Burnham proposals

Move would allow mayors to greenlight large-scale developments and have more say on national housing funding

Andy Burnham will give mayors new powers to take control of local planning decisions and greenlight large-scale developments in proposals to be presented next week.

The move will allow mayors to “call in” the decisions and direct councils to take them forward or refuse them. They will also be able to grant upfront permission so developers can start building without having to apply.