England Mayors to Gain Call-In Powers Over Major Developments

The UK government says proposals to be published next week would let mayors outside London call in planning applications for more than 150 homes, at least 15,000 square metres of commercial space or buildings at least 30 metres high. A mayor who calls in an application could approve or refuse it, grant permission upfront and apply a local infrastructure levy. Applicants would keep their appeal rights, while ministers would retain backstop powers.