New plan approved to create a greener and wealthier South West Wales

Aiming to help South West Wales become a more ambitious, carbon-friendly and enterprising region over the next decade, a major new plan has been given the green light.

Now approved by the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales, the corporate plan includes a vision for the region and ways to best achieve it by 2035.

The delivery of regional energy and economic development plans are among the measures aimed at further decarbonising the region, seeking to exploit the benefits of the emerging floating offshore wind sector and related developments in carbon capture and hydrogen technologies.

This would follow-on from and support the successful Celtic Freeport bid recently led by Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire councils with the ports of Port Talbot and Milford Haven.

Other measures to realise the vision are the production of regional transport and strategic development plans to better connect the region’s communities and maximise the potential of regional growth opportunities to leave a long-term legacy for future generations.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales, said: “There’s already so much happening in South West Wales to create more jobs, attract more investment and leave a long-term legacy for residents now and generations to come.

“Success stories like the on-going City Deal investment and the successful Celtic Freeport bid show the strength of partnership working that’s in place, with the work of the Corporate Joint Committee aiming to build on the firm foundations that have been laid in recent years.

“We all want South West Wales to be a greener, more prosperous and better connected region with more opportunities and aspirations for local people, but a plan is needed to help realise that goal.

“Having taken feedback on board during consultation, the new corporate plan will help guide the work of the Corporate Joint Committee in the coming years as we look to create a better future for all parts of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.”

Formally constituted in January 2022, the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales includes the Leaders of Carmarthenshire Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire Council and Swansea Council, as well as senior representatives of The Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Park authorities.

Introduced by the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, it’s one of four such bodies established in Wales.