Regional mayors will get the power to overrule local councils on planning decisions

This will apply to planning applications of more than 150 homes, high-rise blocks over 30 metres, or more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space.  Mayors in all thirteen combined authorities outside London – Sadiq Khan already has similar powers – will be able to take control of applications and tell councils whether they should accept or refuse them.  A consultation on the new powers was published on 24th August and will run until 5th October.