English mayors gain power to override council planning decisions

The UK government announced in August 2026 that mayors in 13 English regions will get new powers over large planning decisions. Until now, local councils made these decisions alone.

Mayors will be able to "call in" big planning applications and tell councils to approve or refuse them. They can also give developers early permission without a formal application. The powers cover developments with more than 150 homes, buildings over 30 metres tall, or large commercial projects.

The affected areas include Manchester, Liverpool, and the West Midlands, among others. The Mayor of London has held similar powers for some time, and this change brings other mayors in line with London.