Councillors in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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Councillors in both authorities approved the option for a joint LDP and both RLDPs will be withdrawn, which will need to be approved by Welsh Government.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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ and Torfaen Local Development Plans will remain in place until the new joint plan is adopted.
Councillor John Morgan, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Place, said:
“Preparing a Joint Local Development Plan presents significant opportunities for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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.â€
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.â€
Details of the new Joint LDP process, including a delivery timetable, will be available on a new Joint Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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.