The Growth Committee of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, electing Councillor Ros Hathorn as its Vice-Chair and approving the committee's work programme and minutes from the previous meeting. Key discussions included the development of a Spatial Development Strategy for the region, updates on the Local Growth Plan, and the allocation of a £26.1 million Brownfield Housing Fund.

Election of Vice-Chair

Councillor Ros Hathorn was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Growth Committee for the Municipal Year 2026-27.

Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)

The committee discussed the development of a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, a new duty for the Combined Authority. Adrian Cannard, Strategic Planning Manager, presented the Statement of Intent, outlining a 20-plus year spatial vision for the area. The strategy aims to guide investment, set development levels, and provide a framework for future local plans. The committee noted that the government's national planning policy framework and enabling regulations are still awaited, which will impact the final timetable for the SDS. Initial funding of £1.55 million has been confirmed, and the committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the Statement of Intent, taking into account the comments made during the meeting.

Local Growth Plan Update

Judith Barber, Executive Director of Place and Economy, provided an update on the Local Growth Plan, which was launched in December. The focus has shifted from planning to delivery, with the establishment of a Local Growth Plan Programme Management Board to ensure a coordinated effort. Key activities since December include mayoral roundtables in Peterborough and Huntingdon, the relaunch of the Business Board, and attendance at UK REIT. Looking forward, the plan is to prioritise key workstreams, develop the investment pipeline, and restructure the directorate to better align with the Local Growth Plan's objectives. The committee noted the update and next steps.

Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) Update

The committee received an update on the Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) with Homes England, which aims to drive the delivery of homes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Progress has been made on commissions including work in the North Huntingdon Opportunity Zone, with a report by Volterra highlighting infrastructure investment needs. The committee noted the progress on the SPP business plan and the proposed priorities for 2026-27. Key decisions included recommending to the Combined Authority Board the formal agreement to establish a Peterborough City Centre Growth Board, and the allocation of Homes England revenue funding for priority projects in Peterborough, North Huntingdon, brownfield land development, and the Fenland Growth Triangle.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy Delivery Plan

Adrian Cannard presented the delivery plan for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). The strategy, approved in December, aims to protect and enhance nature across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The delivery plan focuses on mobilising action, prioritising projects, and integrating the LNRS into local decision-making. Natural Cambridgeshire has been appointed as the delivery partner for 2026-27, supported by a £185,000 grant from DEFRA. The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Delivery Plan.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Destination Management Plan (DMP)

The committee discussed the Destination Management Plan (DMP) for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough visitor economy. The region has achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation with Visit England, which is conditional on the development of a DMP. The DMP outlines a five-year framework for sustainable growth, focusing on four strategic priorities: strengthening regional foundations, driving economic growth and wellbeing, enhancing visitor experience, and raising the profile and brand of the region. The plan emphasizes a regenerative tourism approach, balancing growth with community and environmental benefits. The committee noted the progress on the DMP and the emerging regional brand and narrative, and provided feedback on the implementation plans.

Brownfield Housing Fund

Steve Clark provided an update on the allocation of a £26.1 million Brownfield Housing Fund (BHF) from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The fund aims to unlock housing supply on brownfield sites, with a target of delivering a minimum of 870 new home starts by 2031. The committee noted the provisional allocation and the proposed approach to mobilising and deploying the funds. The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to finalise and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MHCLG. They also noted the request for revenue funding to support programme administration.

Budget and Performance Report

Tim Greenwood, Finance Manager, presented the outturn financial position for the Growth Committee's budgets for the financial year 2025-26. The report detailed variances in both revenue and capital expenditure, with significant slippage noted in several areas, primarily due to timing differences in project delivery and funding drawdowns. The committee noted the financial position and the updated budgets for the next four years.

Work Programme

The committee noted the Growth Committee's Work Programme for the upcoming year, acknowledging that items discussed during the meeting would be incorporated.

Decisions Made

• Election of Vice-Chair: Councillor Ros Hathorn was elected as Vice-Chair.
• Work Programme: The Work Programme was noted.
• Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the meeting on 11 March 2026 were approved as an accurate record, and the Action Log was noted.
• Director's Highlight Report: The content of the report was noted.
• Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) - Statement of Intent: The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the Statement of Intent for the preparation of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Plan (the Spatial Development Strategy), taking into account the comments made by the committee.
• Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) Update: The committee noted the progress of the SPP and recommended that the Combined Authority Board agree to establish and join the Peterborough City Centre Growth Board, delegating authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to finalise its Terms of Reference. They also recommended approval for the allocation of Homes England revenue funding for priority projects and delegated authority to the Executive Director to procure activity and enter contracts.
• Local Nature Recovery Strategy Delivery Plan: The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Delivery Plan.
• Brownfield Housing Fund: The committee noted the allocation of the Brownfield Housing Fund and recommended that the Combined Authority Board delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to finalise and sign the MOU with MHCLG. They also recommended noting the request for revenue funding.
• Budget and Performance Report: The committee noted the outturn financial position and the updated budgets for the next four years.