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.
The article argues that the London residential market remains under pressure, with prime central London values weakened at the top end and apartments facing excess supply. It also notes that developers are using increasingly aggressive incentives to move unsold stock, while planning reform and housing delivery targets remain uncertain.
Burnley Council is proposing to extend Article 4 coverage across the borough, which would remove permitted development rights for converting certain homes into HMOs in six additional wards. If approved after consultation, landlords would need planning permission for smaller HMO conversions for three to six occupants, while larger HMOs are already controlled through planning.
