Queensland councils will soon take back control for planning urban development areas, with Premier Campbell Newman announcing the first step in removing a key state planning body’s authority.

In the lead-up to the March 24 election, which his party comprehensively won, Mr Newman vowed to wind down the Urban Land Development Authority as part of his push to “re-empower” councils.

The ULDA was set up by the former Labor government to take charge of planning and assessing proposals in numerous urban development areas, including four in Brisbane – Bowen Hills, Woolloongabba, Northshore Hamilton and Fitzgibbon.

Mr Newman told Parliament this morning the government would use a section of existing legislation to start handing back power to councils.

Under section 136 of the Urban Land Development Authority Act, the ULDA may delegate its functions to the chief executive officer of a local government.