Councillors in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen have backed a proposal for a Joint Local Development Plan.
Local Development Plans are developed by local authorities to guide future developments, land use and infrastructure requirements over a 15-year period.
Both councils are currently in the process of developing Replacement Local Development Plans, which have faced delays.
A report presented to both councils last week outlined three options: to continue with the current Replacement Local Development Plan processes, withdraw and begin work on new individual RLDPs, or withdraw and begin work on a Joint Blaenau Gwent Torfaen LDP.
Councillors were told a Joint LDP would take up to six months longer to complete than separate RLDPs but offered more benefits in terms of cost savings, plans for a joint economic development strategy, a stronger regional influence in regional and national forums and more impact in addressing social inequalities.
It would also- be in line with the councils' decision to become federated authorities last year, and a Welsh Government recommendation that councils consider joint working and plan preparation where it offers significant advantages and tackles cross boundary issues.
Councillors in both authorities approved the option for a joint LDP and both RLDPs will be withdrawn, which will need to be approved by Welsh Government.
The existing Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Local Development Plans will remain in place until the new joint plan is adopted.
Councillor John Morgan, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Place, said:
“Preparing a Joint Local Development Plan presents significant opportunities for Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, aligning and supporting the delivery of our ambitious economic and place-based aspirations and intentions.
“Crucially, the timing of a joint plan offers the best chance to influence the Strategic Development Plan, which will shape growth and development across the Southeast Region in the years ahead.”
Cllr Joanne Gauden, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said:
“A Joint LDP reflects the opportunities the federated council model provides and aligns with a new joint blueprint for growth strategy for economic development.
“It’s important communities are involved in developing the plan so the challenges and opportunities in their local areas are reflected.”
Details of the new Joint LDP process, including a delivery timetable, will be available on a new Joint Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Local Development Plan website.
The Economic Development & Environmental Management Scrutiny Committee will consider a new joint blueprint for growth strategy Thriving Towns: Tech Valleys Growth Corridor on Tuesday. Read the scrutiny report