Ministers have been accused of taking powers away from local councillors in their latest effort to deliver millions of new homes.
Tougher planning rules will mean local authorities in Norfolk will now have to seek permission from the housing secretary, Steve Reed, to refuse housing estates of 150 properties or more.
It has prompted fears of an “erosion” of local decision-making and accusations the government “cynically” revealed the new rules during the pre-election period.
Daniel Candon, a senior Conservative councillor, said: "Local councillors, who know their communities best, will effectively be overruled or restricted from making decisions without sign-off from Whitehall.
“Targets are set nationally and now it appears even refusals for large developments may be controlled centrally.”
Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, accused the government of “taking power away from local communities as they claim to devolve it.”
What will this mean for Norfolk?
From May 11, central government is likely to have a greater say over large housing developments.
Housing secretary Steve Reed said last month if a council wants to refuse an application for 150 homes or more, he “will decide whether their decision is reasonable or not."
A letter sent to local authorities last week suggests after a consultation, ministers will then be given a further 21 days to decide on how to use their powers.
Mr Candon, councillor for Bradwell North on Great Yarmouth Borough Council, criticised the Labour government for “bulldozing through local authorities”.
“If they refuse any application for 150 homes or more it will effectively need a rubber stamp from the secretary of state,” added Mr Candon.
“If we are serious about getting this right, then the system needs to change. Local decisions should be made locally.”
It means the future of a 150-home development on land north of Beccles Road in Bradwell, near Yarmouth, could ultimately be decided by the housing secretary.
Plans for 1,850 homes in North Walsham could also face a similar fate.
Mr Elmer said: “Once again the government are taking power away from local communities as they claim to devolve it.
“In my opinion this has been cynically dropped by the government as councils go into election periods to try and limit their ability to respond and criticise.”
He added the county has a “strong track record of delivering homes”.
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