21.—(1) A regional assembly—

(a) may make a regional spatial and economic strategy—

(i) after consultation with the planning authorities within its region, or

(ii) in the case of the regional assemblies in respect of the GDA, after consultation with the planning authorities within their regions and the NTA,

or

(b) shall make a regional spatial and economic strategy, at the direction of the Minister.

(2) A regional spatial and economic strategy may be made for a whole region or for one or more parts of a region, but where there are regional assemblies in respect of the GDA shall, in the case of the GDA, be made jointly by such regional assemblies.

(3) (a) The Minister may direct one or more regional assemblies to make a regional spatial and economic strategy in respect of the combined area of the regional assemblies involved or in respect of any particular part or parts of the area which lie within the area of those regional assemblies.

(b) Where it is proposed to make a regional spatial and economic strategy pursuant to a direction under paragraph (a), the regional assemblies concerned shall make whatever arrangements they see fit to prepare such strategy, including the carrying out of their functions under this Chapter as a joint function of the assemblies concerned, and this Chapter shall be construed accordingly.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the regional planning guidelines prepared by a dissolved regional authority and published in respect of the period 2010 to 2022, shall continue to have effect as if made under this Part until a regional spatial and economic strategy is prepared and adopted by the regional assembly concerned.

(5) The Minister may make regulations concerning the making of regional spatial and economic strategies and related matters.]