Government to Intervene in Local Council Planning Decisions
Ministers will be granted powers to override local councils' decisions on planning applications for new homes, aiming to remove barriers to development.
As part of a "pro-growth" package supporting the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, ministers will issue 'holding directions' to prevent councils from refusing planning permission while considering the use of 'call-in' powers to decide on housing development approvals.
- Currently, ministers can only issue holds when councils are set to approve applications.
- Natural England will also streamline its role, deciding when to give local authorities advice, focusing on "higher-priority" applications and nature recovery.
The government said some councils were "dragging their feet" and had blocked nearly 900 major housing schemes in the last year alone.
This intervention is expected to speed up approvals for new homes and infrastructure.
Author's summary: Ministers to override councils on housing plans.