Negotiating asymmetric borders in an emerging soft region

In contemporary planning, the development of soft regions through inter-municipal collaborations plays an increasingly important role. However, as previous research has shown, local borders and jurisdiction are likely to remain part parcel new region. This paper argues need consider geography such borders, reveal asymmetries which could weaken opportunities for collaboration. Following relational geography, we argue that municipalities don’t necessarily share same border; if understood a effect, border different roles each municipality. With this in mind, offer case study how Swedish is being negotiated within planning. The Kumla Hallsberg reveals one municipality active trying negotiate border, whereas other procrastinates around any action do not lie their interest. result haunted by decades poorly coordinated, even provocative, planning actions. Our opens up discussion on understanding (and history) well further studies interplay between renegotiation emerging regions.