Plans to increase local authority powers in relation
to bye-laws may have serious consequences for
future planning regulation and building developments.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6084998.stm

Lets hope there's a bye-law to save potters fields.

god help us then given the sort of interfering busybodies who end up in councils if the govt gives them more power. what about if the council pass a byelaw legalising pot or does the govt's ideas on drugs only work one way?

The council won't be able to break criminal laws or national laws, they
will however be able to put in place more bye-laws including planning
regulations.

Bye-Laws can include the height of buildings, the land around buildings and
a lot of other building related issues.

The Office of Deputy Prime Minister is moving power to the local authorities and parish councils to sort out planning applications and to uphold their own bye-laws.