Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has welcomed the promise of greater powers to supercharge development and projects across the region.

Mayors are set to be able to rule on plans for more than 150 homes, buildings over 30 metres and developments of more than 15,000 square metres.

Mayor Houchen has praised the move as a further tool to unlock game-changing projects, growth and jobs.

He said: “I will do everything I can to bring good quality, well paid jobs for local people.

“We’ve already led the way in showing what can be done when we slash red tape to get projects moving across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“This is another good move which will ultimately allow me to bring more growth and jobs to our region.”

The Tees Valley’s construction sector continues to perform above the national average – contributing £833million to the economy in 2025.

Figures show construction jobs in the Tees Valley have increased by 32% since 2014 – with employment forecast to grow to provide jobs to more than 21,000 people in 2034.

Mayor Houchen added: “Our construction industry is one of the strongest in the country – we get things done and projects built.

“Having these powers will also mean I’ll be able to give our brilliant construction firms and their local staff more work to further boost our economy.”

Under the changes, Mayors will also be able to grant up front permission for developments so that building can begin without a developer having to apply.

Mayors will also have a bigger say over how national housing funding is spent in their areas.

Homes England will still lead on the biggest projects, but its funding and expertise will be focused on the priorities agreed by Mayors.

Mayors will also have the power to charge a levy on developments to fund major infrastructure.