Mayors to get new powers to overrule councils on housing developments

• Andy Burnham is set to hand UK mayors new powers allowing them to overrule local councils on planning decisions for large-scale developments.
• The proposals will apply to developments featuring over 150 homes, commercial spaces over 15,000 square metres, or buildings at least 30 metres tall.
• Supported by 10 devolved mayors, the policy aims to accelerate housebuilding to help achieve the government target of 1.5 million new homes in five years.
• Under the new measures, mayors will also gain authority to grant upfront planning permission and levy fees to fund major infrastructure projects.
• The Liberal Democrats criticised the plans as a direct attack on local communities that takes decision-making power away from residents and councillors.

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