Anger over plans to override democratic decisions on housing developments
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s leader has slammed a Government plan to allow regional mayors to overrule major planning decisions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that new regional mayors would be given the right to “call in” or overrule local councils on planning decisions.
This would apply to local housing developments of more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres or taller.
The news means that elected councillors who represent their communities could see their decisions quashed if it suits the regional mayor to do so, without any consultation with local residents.
The move was described by Cllr Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, as ‘taking decisions away from local people’.
Councillor Handley said: “It’s madness that the Prime Minister talks about giving more power to local communities, then immediately tells us that if his new mayors doesn’t like the decisions local councils take, they can unilaterally reverse them.
“Local residents need to have a voice in the future of their area. Local councillors provide that voice. I’ll be writing to our mayor to let him know that I expect the views of local residents in East Riding to be listened to.”