Consultation on London mayor's planning powers

The Mayor of London's new planning powers are to undergo a public consultation before details are finalised, according to an announcement made by Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, on Thursday 10 August.

First announced on 13 July, the mayor will gain control over planning applications of "strategic importance" in London, be able to direct changes to bourough's programmes, and will be given influence over the way in which draft local development plans fit within the overall London Plan.

Consultation will focus on the threshold and policy tests determining which applications are considered of strategic importance, and some other processes and procedures.

The twelve-week consultation period will close on 2 November, after which ministers will work out the finer details of how the new powers will work in practice.

Ruth Kelly said: "London boroughs will continue to be responsible for deciding the vast majority of planning applications in the capital. But we believe in a limited number of cases, the Mayor is best placed to determine the application given his responsibility for regional planning in the capital as a whole. We will ensure that local views are fully taken into account for all applications."