CIH comments on new planning powers for mayors in England

CIH has welcomed the government’s proposals for mayors to gain more powers over planning in England, but warns that mayoral strategic authorities will need time and resources to build planning capacity and work collaboratively with local authorities.

The government has launched a consultation on the changes, which were initially included in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act which passed into law earlier this year. The main proposals are:

• Mayors will have power to call-in planning applications of ‘potential strategic importance’ (PSI), including for applications of over 150 homes, once they have formally adopted a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for their area
• Mayors will be able to establish Mayoral Development Orders which proactively grant planning permission for sites without the need for a conventional planning application
• Mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs) with an SDS can introduce a Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy (MCIL), similar to those introduced by the Mayor of London to help fund development of the Elizabeth Line.

Tom Arnold, policy manager at CIH, said:

“The proposed planning powers for mayors announced today could have a significant impact on how decisions about the development of new homes are made.

“The government has announced its intention to rewire the state, giving more power to regional and local leaders over decisions that affect the communities they represent. Planning has a major role to play in achieving this vision, and these new powers – if used properly – could help deliver more homes and infrastructure to meet local needs.

“The government will need to support mayoral strategic authorities to build capacity if these new powers are to be used effectively. Local authority planning departments are also under pressure, with staff shortages and budget cuts impacting the ability of councils to determine applications and plan for the future. Devolution will only work effectively if local authorities as mayoral strategic authorities are properly resourced and empowered to work together.”