Plans to allow mayors to overrule planning decisions spark local democracy fears

ELECTED mayors are set to gain powers to overrule councils on some planning decisions, sparking concerns over local democracy today. The changes would affect proposals with more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space or buildings over 30 metres tall. Mayors in Manchester, Liverpool, the West of England and the West Midlands and combined authorities will gain similar powers that Sir Sadiq Khan has to call-in planning decisions in London.