'Not democratic' - Council leader slams mayors' new planning powers
The leader of a Yorkshire council says letting mayors overrule local planning decisions is “not democratic”.
Councillor Anne Handley says Prime Minister Andy Burnham is taking away decisions from local people by giving mayors “call in” powers to take the most important planning decisions in their areas.
The measures will allow mayors to call in and determine significant planning applications, including housing developments of more than 150 homes, commercial schemes over 15,000 square metres and buildings over ten storeys tall.
It means that elected councillors who represent their communities could see their decisions quashed if it suits the regional mayor to do so - without any consultation with local residents.
Coun Handley, leader of East Riding Council, said: “It’s madness that the Prime Minister talks about giving more power to local communities, then immediately tells us that if his new mayors doesn’t like the decisions local councils take, they can unilaterally reverse them.
"Local residents need to have a voice in the future of their area. Local councillors provide that voice.
"I’ll be writing to our mayor to let him know that I expect the views of local residents in East Riding to be listened to.”
The Government said it “has been clear that any mayoral interventions would still need to be consistent with planning law and local development plans. The reforms “are intended to help local leaders unlock development, accelerate housing delivery and support growth across England”.
However it appears to be in line with other moves preventing residents having their say, with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill reportedly considering delegating applications of fewer than 49 homes – the vast majority of housing applications – to officers.
This would bypass council planning committees and remove the ability for people to present their case to councillors.