Mayors in England will be given ‘call in’ powers to take the most important planning decisions in their areas.

Mayors will now be able to take over key planning applications which impact on local growth, and direct a council to take it forward or refuse it.

The change is backed by ten mayors from across the political spectrum and will give them powers similar to those of the Mayor of London.

Schemes with more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres or taller, roughly ten storeys will be in scope.

Mayors will also be able to grant up-front permission for development, so that building can begin without a developer having to apply.

The majority of applications will still be decided by councils.