As the Regional Assembly is centrally involved in the formulation and implementation of regional economic and spatial planning policy (through the forthcoming RSES), the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) confers a statutory planning role on the Regional Assembly to ensure that all local authority development plans are consistent with the RSES and relevant national policy. Draft plans or proposed variations to development plans are referred by the Local Authority to the Regional Assembly. The Regional Assembly consider all such plans in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act and can issue formal observations and recommendations to the relevant local authority where necessary.

The Regional Assembly has a role in the review of draft LECPs and in their monitoring and implementation. The Assembly works co-operatively with local authorities to develop and implement policy at local level which is consistent with Regional economic and spatial planning objectives.