Strategic Planning

The vision for strategic planning in South West Wales is to create a competitive, connected, resilient and sustainable region. Taking a joined‑up approach to planning, to support quality placemaking, balanced growth and the long‑term well‑being of communities, while responding to climate change and protecting the region’s natural and cultural assets.

Overview

Strategic planning in South West Wales is led by the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) through the preparation of a Strategic Development Plan (SDP). The SDP will provide a long‑term spatial planning framework for the region, shaping where homes, jobs, infrastructure and services are located over the period 2026 to 2051.

The Strategic Development Plan takes a regional approach to land‑use planning, reflecting how people live, work and travel across local authority boundaries. It aligns spatial planning with economic well‑being, transport and environmental priorities to support sustainable, inclusive growth across South West Wales.

Why the strategy matters

South West Wales faces long‑term challenges and opportunities that cannot be addressed through local planning alone. These include housing need, economic growth, transport connectivity, environmental protection and climate resilience.

The Strategic Development Plan provides a regional framework that:

Aligns land‑use planning with economic and transport strategies
Supports sustainable development and quality places
Helps balance growth across cities, towns, rural and coastal areas
Responds to long‑term pressures such as climate change and housing demand
Provides certainty and consistency for communities, investors and developers

By planning strategically at a regional scale, South West Wales can make better use of shared resources and deliver more coherent and sustainable outcomes.

Targets for 2035

While the SDP has a long‑term horizon to 2051, its preparation focuses on achieving clear outcomes in the medium term, including:

A clear and deliverable spatial strategy for South West Wales
Alignment with national planning policy, including Future Wales
Strong integration with regional economic and transport priorities
Early delivery of sustainable development opportunities
Meaningful community involvement at every stage of plan‑making

These outcomes support wider ambitions for prosperity, resilience and well‑being.

Strategic planning opportunity

The Strategic Development Plan is a statutory plan that sits between Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 and local Local Development Plans (LDPs). It provides a strategic framework to guide future LDP ‘Lites’, ensuring consistency across the region while allowing for local distinctiveness.

The SDP represents an opportunity to move beyond fragmented planning, enabling the region to plan positively for growth, infrastructure and environmental protection in a joined‑up way that reflects real economic and travel patterns.

Strategic benefits

A well‑prepared Strategic Development Plan will support long‑term economic, social and environmental well‑being. It will help unlock development by providing clarity on where growth should take place, what infrastructure is needed, and how development can contribute to sustainable and resilient communities.

The SDP will also support investment decisions, align public and private sector priorities, and ensure that development contributes positively to the well‑being goals set out in the Well‑being of Future Generations (Wales) Act.

Strategic priorities

1

A regional spatial framework
Providing a clear, long‑term spatial strategy that reflects how South West Wales functions as a region and how its places connect and interact.
2

Sustainable placemaking
Supporting high‑quality, inclusive and well‑designed places that enhance quality of life and respond to environmental and climate challenges.
3

Integrated planning
Aligning land‑use planning with economic well‑being, transport and energy priorities to support resilient and connected communities.
4

Environmental resilience
Supporting the transition to a low‑carbon region, protecting biodiversity and managing natural resources sustainably.
5

Evidence‑led decision‑making
Basing the SDP on a robust and proportionate evidence base, including sustainability appraisal, environmental assessment and monitoring.
6

Collaboration and engagement
Working closely with communities, partners and stakeholders to build consensus and ensure the SDP reflects shared regional priorities.

Next steps

Preparing the Strategic Development Plan is a long‑term process that relies on collaboration, transparency and meaningful engagement. The next steps include completing the Delivery Agreement, continuing evidence gathering, engaging communities and stakeholders, and progressing through formal consultation and examination stages.

The SDP will provide a shared spatial vision for South West Wales, supporting sustainable growth and well‑being for current and future generations.