UK Mayors Get New Powers to Speed Up Housing Construction

England is betting big on local leaders to solve its housing shortage, with ten regional mayors gaining new powers to greenlight major developments in their communities.

Starting next week, mayors outside London will gain the same planning authority that London Mayor Sadiq Khan received earlier this year. They'll be able to approve or reject large housing projects, overriding local council decisions when needed to keep construction moving forward.

The changes apply to developments with more than 150 homes, commercial spaces larger than 15,000 square meters, or any building taller than 10 stories. Mayors can also grant upfront permission to developers, letting them start building without lengthy application processes.

Mayor Andy Burnham, who helped shape the proposals, sees it as a balanced approach. "It's not all about nimbyism," he explained. "Sometimes it's the other way round," referring to cases where local authorities approve projects that harm communities.

England needs to build 1.5 million homes over five years, and the country is currently just over a quarter of the way there. These new powers aim to unblock stalled sites and speed up construction across the country.

The decisions must still follow existing planning rules, local area plans, and national policy. The national government keeps final oversight power to step in when necessary.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond housing approvals, mayors are gaining more control over how national housing funds get spent in their regions. They'll also be able to charge development levies to fund major infrastructure projects, the same funding tool that helped build London's Elizabeth line.

That railway has become the UK's busiest service, boosting housing growth and regeneration across the capital. Now other cities can use the same approach to fund transit, roads, and services that support new neighborhoods.

The changes mean regions can better coordinate housing with the infrastructure needed to support it. Instead of homes appearing without adequate transit or schools, mayors can ensure development funding helps build complete communities.

Ten of England's 14 devolved mayors have already backed the move, signaling broad support for giving local leaders more authority over their regions' growth. With housing central to economic opportunity and quality of life, these communities are ready to take the reins on their future.