PROPOSALS to hand more power to the Mayor of London could result in "detrimental" effects on Bromley residents, according to an MP.

Speaking in opposition to The Greater London Authority Bill, Beckenham MP Jacqui Lait says it will take power away from residents in areas such as planning and housing.

The Bill, which was backed by the Commons, will now have to face scrutiny in the House of Lords before it becomes law.

It includes measures which will give the Mayor a strategic role over housing and planning across the capital, as well as more power over culture and health and a stronger role in managing London's waste.

Mrs Lait said: "It gives the Mayor more power to call in planning decisions for what are theoretically strategic reasons.

"But the definition of strategic is such that he can intervene in a great many planning dealings.

"It also gives him power over housing budgets.

"The combination of the two gives him the strength to tell boroughs what they must do and allows him to make planning decisions for them.

"We are hoping for some amendments to the Bill which will return these powers to the people.

"We can see the Mayor making decisions that are detrimental to the people of Bromley."