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ARTICLE · 29 OCTOBER 2026

Mayoral Planning Powers Expanded: What Developers Need To Know

Ashfords LLP
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The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has proposed sweeping reforms that would grant mayors across England's 13 strategic authorities unprecedented planning powers, fundamentally reshaping how major development decisions are made and infrastructure is funded. These changes could significantly influence where growth is prioritised, how planning risk is assessed, and which sites become attractive for investment. The reforms introduce four key mechanisms: Applications of Potential Strategic

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
David Richardson
David Richardson
Cameron Makin
Cameron Makin

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government recently consulted on plans to significantly expand mayoral planning powers across England.

If implemented, the reforms would give mayors in England's 13 strategic authorities a much greater role in deciding where development takes place, how major planning applications are determined and how infrastructure is funded. For developers, landowners and investors, this could influence where growth is prioritised, how planning risk is assessed and which sites become more attractive for investment.

The consultation forms part of the government's wider devolution agenda and closed on 5 October 2026. The government intends to introduce the necessary legislation by the end of 2026, with the new powers expected to come into force in early 2027.

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