New mayoral planning powers – what’s in it for contractors?
Summary
The article examines proposed government reforms that would give strategic-authority mayors new planning powers, including the ability to intervene in certain planning decisions and to grant permission through mayoral development orders (MDOs). It argues that these changes could both speed up some schemes by improving certainty and add complexity or delay where mayoral call-in powers are used.
Why it matters
Although aimed at developers and local authorities, the reforms could affect the timing, certainty and delivery risk of residential and mixed-use projects that surveyors may be advising on. Surveyors involved in planning, development viability, due diligence or project monitoring should be aware that consenting routes may vary more significantly by area.
Key points
- Mayors of strategic authorities may gain powers to intervene in planning decisions.
- Mayoral development orders could provide upfront planning permission for defined development types and sites.
- MDOs may reduce consenting friction and improve certainty for project delivery.
- Call-in powers could increase complexity, workload and delay in some applications.
- Different mayoral priorities outside London may lead to inconsistent application of the new powers.
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