Pledge set out in white paper to be unveiled this week is part of a ‘devolution by default’ approach by Whitehall

Mayors will be given sweeping powers to unblock planning delays for major building projects in England, Angela Rayner has announced, as she promised a “devolution by default” approach to handing down authority from Whitehall.

The pledge set out in the white paper to be unveiled this week will give regions more planning powers over housing numbers and will identify key developments and infrastructure needed to support growth, from roads to major junctions, water reservoirs, freight and logistics.