COUNCIL leaders across the Wessex area are once again pushing for devolution and the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Wessex.

Leaders from Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) have said they will work together on three projects that will deliver “tangible benefits” for residents as they look to get devolution plans back on track.

This comes after the Wessex leaders were unsuccessful in their application to create a new Wessex combined authority, which would have seen resources pooled across the four authorities as part of the government’s devolution plans.

The Wessex Partnership now plans to launch three proposals to reinvigorate the Heart of Wessex combined authority.

This includes creating a Wessex joint growth plan to coordinate economic development, housing and infrastructure investment and a Wessex local nature recovery strategy to look after the region’s green spaces.

Plans for infrastructure have also been discussed which would see a future spatial development strategy created as well as work to deliver more reliable, affordable, and greener public transport across urban and rural communities.

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In a joint statement, the leaders of BCP, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils, councillor Millie Earl, cllr Nick Ireland, cllr Bill Revans and cllr Ian Thorn, said: “This is an important step forward for the Wessex Partnership.

“By working together, we are showing that our region is ready to take on greater powers and responsibilities.

“These projects reflect our shared priorities – better transport, a thriving natural environment and sustainable economic growth.

“We are united in our ambition to secure a devolution deal that delivers real benefits for our communities.”

The leaders said they are in conversation with the government about the devolution plans and the establishment of a Mayoral Strategic Authority, which would bring greater local control over funding, planning and service delivery.

The Wessex partnership is also looking to central government for support for whether Wessex could host the proposed UK Defence Innovation facility, a Wessex Defence Catapult, and engagement with the MOD, including NAD, DIO and Defence Digital to support innovation, including spin-out spaces and retaining the UK Health Security Agency at Porton to support the life sciences cluster in a secure location with a skilled population.