The department for Communities and Local Government launched a consultation this week on a proposal to allow councils to compete to process planning applications.
The proposal is aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing planning delays.
Under the proposals, applicants would be able to choose whether to submit plans to their local council, a competing council or a government-approved organisation.
These organisations would process applications but would not make the final decisions, which would remain in the hands of the authorities where schemes are to be built.
Alongside this, the GLA and CLG are investigating how best to encourage building up rather than out and allow more housing while protecting the green belt.
They are seeking views on three areas: an extension to permitted development rights, local development orders and the London Plan.
The amendment to PDR, which allows development without planning permission, would be for a maximum of two storeys no higher than adjoining buildings, and restricted to terraces.
The consultations come as the government seeks to streamline the planning process and boost house building.
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