Regional mayors are set to receive greater planning powers under yet more legislation proposed by the government.

The shake-up features in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill introduced to Parliament on July 10 and now going through its second reading in the House of Commons.

Measures include extending  mayoral development orders by allowing them to grant planning permission for a particular development instead of relying on an application to be submitted.

They will be able to grant planning permission for key housing and infrastructure projects, particularly those crossing council boundaries.

The bill also streamlines the process for establishing mayoral development corporations to deliver large-scale regeneration schemes.

But it also includes powers for mayors to refuse planning applications of potential strategic importance directly and to call in proposals.

While  not all areas have regional mayors, the bill proposes ‘strategic authorities’  for different parts of England. Their responsibilities will include housing and strategic planning, transport and local infrastructure, economic development and regeneration, environment and net-zero, skills and employment support, health, wellbeing and public service reform as well as public safety.

The bill also proposes a new Community Right to Buy which gives communities the first opportunity to purchase local assets such as pubs, shops, and sports grounds, with an extended  timeframe to raise funds.

A new requirement on local authorities to establish effective neighbourhood governance is also proposed to bring decisions closer to residents and ensure that governance structures reflect specific community needs.

While measures to make the planning process more effective are to be welcomed, it is important that they are well-thought-through, necessary, realistic, align with other government reforms, do not create delays in the planning process  and do not place more barriers in the path of development.

Undoubtedly, there will be much debate and proposed amendments to this legislation. We will keep watch, and make representations where necessary, to help our clients and partners navigate the changing  planning landscape.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about the government’s planning reforms and policies and how they may affect your plans or project.