Andy Burnham Proposes New Planning Powers for Devolved Mayors

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is proposing new powers that would allow devolved mayors to oversee local planning decisions and approve large-scale developments. The proposal, detailed in a consultation scheduled for release next week, would enable mayors to call in decisions, direct councils to approve or refuse projects, and grant upfront permissions to developers.

These powers would apply to developments exceeding 150 homes, commercial spaces over 15,000 square meters, or buildings 30 meters or taller. The move aims to align the authority of devolved mayors with that of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who received similar powers earlier this year to unblock stalled sites. Ten of the 14 devolved mayors currently support the initiative.

Burnham argues the change will prompt more joined-up discussions between councils and mayors, suggesting that challenges to local decision-making are a two-way street when projects have unacceptable community impacts. However, the Liberal Democrats have condemned the plan as a direct attack on communities. Gideon Amos, the party's housing and planning spokesperson, claims the proposal silences residents and takes power away from local councillors and people.