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Growth Committee - Tuesday, 15th September, 2026 10.00 am
September 15, 2026 at 10:00 am Growth Committee View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, discussing a wide range of topics including regional energy governance, visitor economy branding, and planning powers. Key decisions included recommending the adoption of new regional energy governance proposals and endorsing the development of a regional visitor economy brand.
Regional Energy Governance Proposals
The committee recommended to the Combined Authority Board to agree the proposed Area Energy Governance for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area. This governance structure is designed to inform energy infrastructure needs regionally and nationally, supporting a resilient energy system to meet the region's growth ambitions. As part of this, the Executive Director of Place and Economy, Judith Barker, will be nominated to attend the Central Regional Energy Strategic Board. This board is a key decision-making forum established by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to create coordinated investment plans for electricity, gas, and hydrogen networks. The new governance aims to ensure the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area can articulate its needs effectively and speak with a coordinated voice on energy matters.
Regional Visitor Economy Branding and Narrative
The committee reviewed and endorsed the proposed regional destination brand and narrative, Wonder Further,
developed in partnership with industry and local authority partners. This brand aims to strengthen the region's identity, enhance visitor appeal, and support the delivery of the Destination Management Plan (DMP) and VisitEngland Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) objectives. The brand, Visit Cambridgeshire,
is intended to complement existing local brands, such as Visit Cambridge and Discover Peterborough, by providing an umbrella narrative that encourages visitors to explore more of the region, increasing dwell time and visitor dispersal. The committee also reviewed and endorsed the proposed Terms of Reference for the LVEP Working Group, subject to review of the proposed membership, and to then nominate members of the Working Group to enable its establishment from September 2026.
Sage Novation on properties at Wisbech Road, March
The committee recommended to the Combined Authority Board to agree to a novation requested by Sage Homes Limited. This will allow Sage Homes to transfer all rented units at Wisbech Road, March, to Sage Rented Homes Limited, an internal company within Sage Homes, as part of an internal financial restructuring. This transfer is intended to support Sage's financing arrangements for future housing delivery. The committee was assured that this would not result in the disposal of any homes or a loss of affordable housing provision, and that the Combined Authority's interests remain protected.
Spatial Development Strategy and Government Consultation on Planning Powers
The committee received an update on the progress of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and noted the consultation launched by the Government on additional planning powers for Mayors. The SDS process is progressing, with regulations expected in November 2026. The Government's revised National Planning Policy Framework has provided greater clarity on the distinction between SDS and local plans. The consultation on mayoral planning powers, which could include the ability to call in planning applications and make Mayoral Development Orders, is a significant development with potential resource implications for the Combined Authority. Work is underway to prepare a response to the consultation, and the SDS programme is being managed through an expanded Local Growth Plan Programme Management Board.
Water Resilience Plan
The committee noted the emerging themes of the Water Resilience Plan, which is being developed with Water Resources East. The plan aims to address the pressing water-related risks facing the region, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and flood risk. Key themes include the importance of water resources, tackling flooding, and improving wastewater treatment to enable growth. A Mayor's roundtable event was scheduled to discuss the draft plan with stakeholders, and a further report would be presented to the committee in November.
Resilience Plan Phase 2 Update
The committee was advised and commented on the proposal and scope for the production of Phase 2 of the Resilience Plan, which will broaden the scope beyond water-related issues to address a wider range of strategic risks. The plan aims to identify roles and responsibilities, collaboration opportunities, and the resources required for resilience measures up to 2050.
Budget and Performance Report
The committee noted the financial position of the Place division for the financial year 2026/27, up to the end of the first quarter in June 2026. The report indicated that expenditure to date was largely in line with the profiled budget. A significant portion of the expenditure relates to the Spatial Development Strategy, with a reprofiling of expenditure anticipated for the Resilience Plan. The Net Zero Hub revenue expenditure was also reported, noting that it is fully funded by Government grant.
Director's Highlight Report
The committee received an update on key activities within the Place and Economy Directorate. This included information on additional homelessness funding, which would be passed to local authorities, and the development of a homelessness action plan. The dissemination of the Retrofitting Your Home
guide and the funding gap for the Warm Homes Local Grant were discussed. Progress on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the need for clear communication and updates were also highlighted. The committee sought clarification on the governance of housing and strategic planning in the Greater Cambridge area, with officers emphasising a collaborative approach. Concerns were raised about the impact of growth on local authority finances and infrastructure, and the importance of business rates retention was noted.
Other Business
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as an accurate record. The Combined Authority's Forward Plan and the Action Log were noted. The Work Programme was also noted, with discussions around the potential need for additional informal briefings and the review of governance arrangements in light of increasing workloads and potential changes to planning functions. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 3 November 2026.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Spatial Development Strategy and Government Consultation on Planning Powers
Recommendations ApprovedThe Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council decided to note progress on the Spatial Development Strategy and the government's consultation on planning powers for Mayors. This decision was made on 15 September 2026.
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Work Programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council approved the Work Programme on 15 September 2026. The committee noted its Work Programme.
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Director's Highlight Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council decided to note the content of the Director's Highlight Report on 15 September 2026. The report detailed updates on national government designations, social and affordable housing, rough sleeping programmes, and planning powers for mayors. It also provided updates on resilience programmes including the Opportunity Fund, Net Zero Villages, and the Greater Cambridge Chalk Streams Project.
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Minutes of the previous meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority approved the minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2026. The Committee also noted the Action Log.
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Sage Novation on properties at Wisbech Road, March
Recommendations approvedThe Combined Authority Board decided to approve a novation requested by Sage Homes Limited to transfer rented units at Wisbech Road, March to Sage Rented Homes Limited. This decision was made on 15/09/2026. The Director of Place and Economy, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, was delegated authority to enter into the Novation Agreement.
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Resilience Plan Phase 2 Update
Information OnlyThe Growth Committee advised and commented on the proposal and scope for Phase 2 of the Resilience Plan on 15 September 2026.
The Funding Committee approved the 2026/27 Local Transport Grant (capital) allocations for Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council on 3 August 2026. This approval will see delivery progressed through eligible local transport improvement schemes and monitored in accordance with the LTDP and DfT assurance requirements.
The Chief Executive Officer approved a Change Request for the FE Coldspots WSC Ely Soham project on 22 September 2026, extending the timeframe for spending funding from 30 September 2026 to 31 March 2027. This extension is due to prolonged legal negotiations for lease agreements in Ely.
The Mayor will make a key decision on 16 September 2026 to approve the approach to managing the Rough Sleeping Grant allocation across local authorities. This decision is urgent to meet a deadline set by MHCLG.
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Resilience Plan Phase 2 Update
Information OnlyThe Growth Committee advised and commented on the proposal and scope for the production of Phase 2 of the Resilience Plan on 15 September 2026. The plan will identify and mitigate strategic risks to ensure the region is prepared, resilient, and able to support growth. This includes enhancing biodiversity, tackling water scarcity, supporting flood prevention, strengthening energy supply, and preparing for the transfer of Police and Fire responsibilities.
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Water Resilience Plan
Information OnlyThe Growth Committee noted the emerging themes of the Water Resilience Plan on 15 September 2026. The plan will identify water-related risks and interventions. Water Resources East has been commissioned to deliver Phase 1 of the plan.
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Regional Energy Governance Proposals
Recommendations approvedThe Growth Committee recommended to the Combined Authority Board to agree the proposal for CPCA Area Energy Governance. The Executive Director of Place and Economy will be nominated to attend the Central Regional Energy Strategic Board, bringing regular updates and decisions to Place Directors, Growth Committee and CA Board.
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Regional Visitor Economy Branding and Narrative
For DeterminationThe Combined Authority Board decided to approve the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Business Plan on 15/09/2026. The Growth Committee reviewed and endorsed the regional destination brand and narrative, and approved the Terms of Reference for the LVEP Working Group. The Working Group will review the design, membership, Terms of Reference, and Terms of Appointment for the new LVEP Board.
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Budget and Performance Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council approved recommendations on 15 September 2026. The committee noted the financial position of the Place division for the financial year 26/27 to the end of the first quarter, June 2026.
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