Stronger planning powers for mayors proposed
Summary
The government has proposed expanding mayoral planning powers in England, allowing mayors to call in strategically important applications and, in some cases, grant development permission up front. The scope would include schemes above set national thresholds, while councils would still determine most applications under existing planning rules and local plans.
Why it matters
These changes could affect how major residential and mixed-use schemes are determined, particularly where height, scale or strategic growth considerations bring applications within mayoral scope. Surveyors advising on development, valuation or planning risk will need to track how the new powers may influence decision-making timescales, appeal routes and local policy interpretation.
Key points
- Mayors would gain call-in powers for planning applications of potential strategic importance.
- National thresholds proposed include more than 150 homes, over 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or buildings above 30 metres.
- Mayors could also make Mayoral Development Orders to allow development to start without a separate application.
- Councils would still decide most applications, and decisions must comply with planning rules, local plans and national policy.
- A consultation on the proposed powers is open until 5 October 2026.
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