Mayors could be given powers to intervene in local planning decisions and approve or reject major developments under proposals being put forward by prime minister Andy Burnham.
The policy would allow mayors to “call in” applications and direct councils to approve or refuse them, as well as grant upfront permission for some plans without developers having to make an application.
The proposed powers would apply to schemes of more than 150 homes, commercial developments exceeding 15,000 sq m and buildings at least 30 metres tall.
Ten of England’s 14 devolved mayors are reported to have backed the proposals, which would bring their planning powers more closely into line with those held by London mayor Sadiq Khan.
The measures are intended to prevent major developments being blocked where they could support economic growth or contribute towards the government’s target of building 1.5 million homes during this parliament.
However, Burnham stressed the powers could also be used to stop developments supported by councils where their impact on local communities was considered unacceptable.
He told the Sunday Times: “It’s not all about nimbyism. Sometimes it’s the other way round. It’s a local authority putting forward something that’s unacceptable in terms of the impact on the community … so it’s a two-way street.”
Planning decisions made by mayors would still have to comply with planning rules, local plans and national policy, while ministers would retain powers to intervene.
The proposals would also give mayors greater influence over how national housing funding from Homes England is spent in their areas and allow them to levy developments to fund major infrastructure.
Burnham acknowledged concerns that transferring additional planning powers to mayors could reduce the influence of councillors, MPs and local residents.
He said: “The question is: do you want somebody who’s elected by the people of that area to consider a decision, or a far less accountable decision-making process?”
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook described the powers as an “essential part of the toolkit that mayors need to effectively deliver new homes and regeneration”.
However, the Liberal Democrats criticised the proposals, with housing and planning spokesperson Gideon Amos describing them as a “direct attack” on communities.
He said: “Instead of silencing residents and handing mayors a blank cheque, the government should be empowering local councils with the resources to deliver genuinely affordable homes alongside the infrastructure to support them.”
A consultation on the proposals is due to be published later this month.
