Burnham To Hand Mayors Power To Take Over Local Planning Decisions

The prime minister is taking on “Nimbyism” with a new devolution push.

Political Correspondent

Andy Burnham is handing mayors the authority to take over local planning decisions in his latest devolution push.

The prime minister will present proposals next week aimed at giving regional leaders the chance to “call in” major decisions, including large-scale developments, and direct councils to accept them or refuse them.

They will be allowed to give developers upfront permission, too, so they can build without having to apply.

This latest decision is meant to stop “nimby” – “not in my back yard” – councils from refusing significant building works which could help the government reach its target of building 1.5........

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