The City Region Board met on Friday 4 September 2026 to discuss the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sector, the Local Transport Plan, and the allocation of Strategic Economic Development Funding. The Board approved the allocation of £75,000 of Strategic Economic Development Funding (SEDF) to support two strategic pieces of economic development activity.

Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Sector Review

The Board received a report on the Gloucestershire Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing Study, which highlighted the sector's significant contribution to the county's economy, generating over £3.5 billion in GVA and supporting approximately 34,500 jobs. The study identified key recommendations, including the establishment of a formal industry-led AEM leadership group, deeper sector engagement, and improved alignment between skills provision and employer demand. Concerns were raised about ensuring the recommendations supported green and inclusive growth, with officers confirming these could be reviewed. The potential need for data centres and the impact on infrastructure and communities were also discussed, as were labour shortages and the need for better training opportunities. The importance of aligning land, planning, and infrastructure with sector growth was also emphasised.

Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF)

The Board approved the allocation of £75,000 of Strategic Economic Development Funding (SEDF) to support two strategic pieces of economic development activity. This funding will strengthen Gloucestershire's economic narrative and analysis, support a balanced and county-wide investment case, complement the agreed Local Growth Plan, and help position the Gloucester-Cheltenham Growth Corridor and the wider county within future growth opportunities linked to the National Industrial Strategy and the Government's devolution agenda. The funding will be used for a detailed economic impact and innovation analysis of the Gloucester-Cheltenham Growth Corridor (£50,000) and as Gloucestershire's contribution to the South West Economic Growth Commission programme (£25,000).

Local Transport Plan - Post Consultation Update

Luisa Senft-Hayward, Transport Planning Team Manager at Gloucestershire County Council, presented an update on the review of the Local Transport Plan. The consultation, which involved 921 survey responses and 11 public engagement events, highlighted the need for improved bus services and better transport links with new housing developments. The overall vision for the plan is a better-connected Gloucestershire with a flourishing environment that supports local communities. The plan aims for the county to reach Net Zero by 2045, improve road safety, and accommodate new residential and employment growth. Bus use needs to increase from 4% to 9%, while car use should decrease to 56%. The draft Local Transport Plan was scheduled for publication following a Cabinet meeting on 23 September, with a formal consultation process to follow. Members raised the importance of reflecting rural equestrian routes and the Public Rights of Way network, and concerns were expressed about the accessibility of the Forest of Dean. The link between the Local Transport Plan and District Local Plans, particularly regarding new housing and infrastructure, was also discussed, with an emphasis on infrastructure coming first.

Climate and Planning Manager – Progress Report

Elle Winning and Afriqnmun Lovejoy from Gloucester City Council provided an update on the use of Strategic Economic Development (SEDF) funding for the Climate and Planning Manager role. The role aims to provide consistency across plan areas and help developers identify ambition levels for climate policy, supporting the transition to net zero, creating resilient homes, and enhancing nature. Key deliverables include embedding ambitious climate policy into local plans, supporting Strategic Development Strategy readiness, and assessing spatial growth options using PropTech funding. Challenges included a lack of consistency across areas, differing stages of local plan development, and variations in evidence bases. Members discussed the consideration of sustainable agriculture and transport, the importance of a consistent approach, and the retrofitting of historic buildings.

Update from Gloucestershire Business Board

The Chair explained that the proposed arrangement would establish a stronger link between the councils and the business community by creating a board comprising senior individuals from various organisations. The Gloucestershire Business Board would support the delivery of the right type of growth, ensuring partners work towards shared objectives. Discussions also covered the impact of artificial intelligence and the digital revolution, and the Board agreed on a series of shared missions.

Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) Update

Officers presented an update on the Strategic Development Strategy (SDS), noting that its legal establishment was pending Government decisions on SDS geographies and secondary legislation, expected in Autumn 2026. Matters of strategic importance identified for the SDS include climate, environment, health, homes, economy, movement and connectivity, community, and infrastructure. A six-week informal engagement period with the public was proposed from 2 November to 14 December 2026, aiming to explain the new planning system, demonstrate how the SDS would work alongside local plans, and gather public views on Gloucestershire's strategic land use priorities. Targeted workshops for seldom-heard groups were also planned. Members expressed a desire for strategic solution-testing and questioned the use of open-ended questions in the engagement process. The importance of considering the quality of future growth, not just the quantity, was also highlighted.

Local Plan Update

This item was for information only, and no comments were made.

Exempt Minutes

The exempt minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2026 were agreed as a correct record.