The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority's Business and Infrastructure Board met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to discuss key strategies for housing development, investment, and water management. The Board endorsed the first part of the Housing Strategy, agreed to develop the second part, and approved an investment framework approach to attract and prioritise future investment. They also noted the formal establishment of the Mayoral Enhanced Water Partnership and endorsed its initial actions.

Housing Strategy and Pipeline Update

The Board received an update on the progress of the Housing Strategy and pipeline work, which aims to accelerate housing delivery to support economic growth across Greater Lincolnshire. The strategy is divided into two parts, with Part One focusing on national policy, government funding, and the current housing profile of the region. Part Two, which will be developed later in the year, will identify specific priorities for the Combined Authority's investment and funding programmes.

Key discussions included:

• Homes England Partnership: Progress is being made towards a Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England, which aims to align national and regional objectives for housing delivery.
• Housing Needs: The strategy acknowledges the need to plan for an ageing population, support independent living, and ensure suitable housing options for families, younger households, and individuals.
• Environmental Challenges: The strategy addresses flood risk and water scarcity, highlighting the need for robust mitigation and resilient design. The Enhanced Water Partnership will play a role in addressing these issues.
• Infrastructure: Wider infrastructure, including power, transport, and highways, will be considered in parallel with housing development to ensure viability and sustainability.
• Empty Homes: Councillor Stan Shreeve raised concerns about empty homes, particularly in North East Lincolnshire and Boston, and requested that the strategy address this issue and potential funding for bringing them back into use. Officers confirmed this would be considered in Part Two of the strategy.
• Energy Efficiency: Councillor Richard Wright highlighted the importance of energy efficiency in new homes, expressing concern that national planning policy might limit local authorities' ability to set high standards. Officers agreed to include more information on this in the full report.
• Strategic Sites and Flood Risk: Councillor Wright also raised concerns about the potential conflict between identifying strategic growth areas for housing and areas with significant flood risk, referencing the Fenland 2100 document. The Board discussed how to balance housing development with flood mitigation and government funding requests.
• New Towns and Veterans Villages: Councillor Ashley John Baxter inquired about the progress and potential locations for a new town and a veterans' village. Officers indicated that options analysis for a new town would take three to four months, and work on veterans' proposals was ongoing, with a commitment to bringing something back to the Board in the future.
• STEP Fusion Project: The STEP Fusion project in Nottinghamshire was discussed in relation to its potential impact on housing demand and infrastructure needs in Greater Lincolnshire, particularly in Gainsborough.
• Grimsby West Development: The potential inclusion of the Grimsby West site, a proposed development of 3,000 homes, was raised, with officers confirming it was being considered as part of the housing pipeline work.
• Skills and Construction: Alison Hands highlighted the challenges in construction skills and developer financial metrics, which would be considered in the second phase of the strategy.
• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): Councillor Catton questioned the application of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) across Greater Lincolnshire. Officers explained that the GLCCA is not directly involved in CIL delivery but would consider it as a criterion for investment.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Catton also raised questions about the ownership of new homes and the target of 60% for social rent. Officers clarified that the Combined Authority's role is strategic, supporting local authorities in delivering a mix of tenures, including affordable and social housing.

The Board recommended that the Authority endorse Part One of the Housing Strategy and agree to the development of Part Two.

Investment Framework Approach

The Board considered a report presenting an investment framework approach for the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA). The framework aims to maximise existing funding, articulate investment priorities, and align public and private sector investment to support growth across the region.

Key points raised included:

• Three Core Elements: The framework comprises an Investment Strategy, a prioritisation toolkit, and an Investment Prospectus.
• Consultation Concerns: Councillor Ashley John Baxter raised concerns about the consultation process, stating that constituent leaders had not been consulted. Officers clarified that it was an update paper and that the Business and Infrastructure Board, which includes constituent members, was the forum for discussion.
• Report Formatting: Councillor Baxter also commented on the report's formatting and potential repetition of definitions.
• Timelines: The Investment Prospectus is expected to be ready by May 2026 to support engagement at UKREiiF.
• International Investment: Councillor Catton inquired about the inclusion of the international sector in the Investment Prospectus, and it was confirmed that international investors were being included.
• Differential Treatment: Councillor Richard Wright echoed concerns about potential differential treatment between constituent and non-constituent members regarding consultation.

The Board recommended that the Combined Authority endorse the Investment Framework approach.

Mayoral Enhanced Water Partnership (EWP) Update

The Board received an update on the inaugural meeting of the Mayoral Enhanced Water Partnership (EWP). The partnership aims to provide leadership and collaborative solutions for water management and funding across Greater Lincolnshire.

Key discussions and actions included:

• Remit of the EWP: The partnership's remit was agreed as providing leadership, tackling key challenges, developing propositions, and brokering on water funding models.
• Flood Risk: Focus areas include gathering advice from existing partnerships, reviewing outdated flood risk management policy, sharing innovative solutions, and developing collaborative water resources and integrated water management planning.
• Water Scarcity: Actions include responding to industry and investor needs, creating a task force for business and key sectors, reviewing policy, and engaging with government initiatives. The role of major ports in water usage, storage, and transportation was also discussed.
• Barriers to Delivery: Known barriers to delivery were discussed in relation to flood risk and water scarcity.
• Future Plans: The EWP will meet quarterly, with the next meeting scheduled for May.
• Climate Change: Councillor Ashley John Baxter highlighted the existential threat of climate change, which was noted for future consideration by the partnership.
• Academic Leaders: Alison Hands inquired about academic leaders in water management, and it was noted that representatives from the University of Lincoln and the University of Hull would explore this further.
• Public Domain Meetings: Councillor Baxter suggested that parts of the EWP meetings could be held in the public domain.

The Board noted the formal establishment of the EWP and endorsed the initial actions proposed by the partnership.