- Mr Burnham says he is preparing to give mayors across England the authority to call in planning decisions in their areas if they face opposition from local councils.
- A consultation paper is due to be published this week with the aim of empowering mayors to overrule town and county hall planning decisions.
- The powers will also be used for energy infrastructure projects such as pylons and solar farms.
- Mr Burnham told a newspaper that the policy might upset Nimbys, but too often politicians “turn to political advantage rather than what’s best for the place.”
Mr. Burnham is preparing to extend planning powers to mayors across England, enabling them to call in decisions that face local council opposition.3
A consultation paper is expected this week, aiming to empower mayors to overrule planning decisions made by town and county halls.2
These new powers, already held by Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, will cover significant developments, including those with at least 150 homes, over 15,000 square meters, or buildings taller than 30 meters.
However, there will be de minimis conditions on their intervention abilities, allowing upfront permissions for such schemes regardless of local opposition.
The government is under pressure to boost housing starts to meet Labour's ambitious target of 1.5 million extra homes by the next election, a goal that many believe is unattainable.
Additionally, these powers will extend to energy infrastructure projects, including pylons and solar farms.
Mr. Burnham acknowledged that the policy might upset NIMBYs, stating that politicians often prioritize political advantage over what is best for the community.4
“The consultation paper aims to empower mayors to overrule town and county hall planning decisions, a move that could upset Nimbys. Burnham argues politicians too often "turn to political advantage rather than what's best for the place."”
