UK mayors could gain power to override council planning decisions

UK ministers are preparing to give elected mayors new authority over planning decisions, including the ability to intervene in major housing projects and direct councils to act, according to reports on Sunday. The move is intended to speed up homebuilding and reduce delays in local approval processes.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the change was necessary to help mayors deliver new homes more effectively. Under the proposed system, mayors would be able to call in certain decisions and either push them forward or block them.

The plans are expected to be set out next week, with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham linked to the push for wider mayoral powers. The proposals would also give mayors a greater role in decisions over national housing funding.

The changes would mark a further shift of planning power away from individual councils and toward regional leaders, building on the expanding role of metro mayors in England.