The Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, approving a Statement of Intent for the Spatial Development Strategy and endorsing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Delivery Plan. The committee also discussed progress on the Local Growth Plan, the Strategic Place Partnership, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Destination Management Plan, the Brownfield Housing Fund, and the Budget and Performance Report.

Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)

The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the Statement of Intent for the preparation of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Plan, also known as the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). This strategy will provide a 20-plus year spatial vision for the region and play a key role in the development plan system, influencing future planning permissions. The SDS will set development levels and broad locations for growth, with future local plans needing to conform to it. Government funding of just over £1.5 million has been allocated to support this work.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the potential for the proposed Development Corporation for the Greater Cambridge area to take on local plan-making powers, which some members felt contradicted existing understandings. Officers agreed to reflect the wording from the government's consultation response to clarify this. The committee also discussed the integration of nature recovery and infrastructure planning into the SDS, with a commitment to ensuring these are embedded throughout the process. The timeline for the SDS aims for approval by 2029, aligning with government guidance for combined authorities to produce an SDS within this parliamentary term.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy Delivery Plan

The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Delivery Plan. This plan outlines the strategy for implementing nature recovery across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, building on the approved LNRS document. The plan focuses on mobilising delivery over the next three years, with a place-based approach across seven sub-programmes. While the strategy has identified over 100 actions and priority areas, direct government funding for implementation is limited. Therefore, the plan will focus on leveraging existing investments, contributions from new developments, and convening action from landowners. Natural Cambridgeshire has been contracted as a delivery partner for the next financial year, supported by a £185,000 grant from DEFRA.

Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) Update

The committee noted progress on the SPP work with Homes England, which aims to drive forward housing delivery across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Key outcomes from the first year include a strategic review of Peterborough city centre, leading to the proposal of a Growth Board to coordinate activity and act as a stepping stone to a potential Mayoral Development Corporation. Work has also progressed on the North Huntingdon Opportunity Zone, with findings from Volterra recommending the establishment of a growth board or task force. A refined business plan and a one-year delivery plan for 2026/27 have been developed, focusing on pipeline development, delivery, affordable housing, and communication.

The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the formation and joining of 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 agreeing the allocation of revenue funding from Homes England for 2026/27 to key projects, prioritised as Peterborough city centre regeneration, further work in North Huntingdon, brownfield land opportunities, and next steps for the Fenland Triangle. Delegated authority was also recommended for the Executive Director to procure activity and enter contracts related to this funding.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Destination Management Plan (DMP)

The committee noted progress on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Destination Management Plan (DMP), a condition for the region's accreditation as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) with VisitEngland. The DMP aims to position Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as a destination where visitors stay longer, explore more widely, and experience its diverse offerings. It is supported by four strategic priorities: strengthening regional foundations, driving economic growth and wellbeing, enhancing visitor experience, and raising the region's profile. The plan adopts a regenerative tourism approach, balancing economic growth with community and environmental benefits.

The committee agreed to establish the LVEP Board reporting into the Growth Committee and to form a working group with members of the Growth Committee to help shape the LVEP's terms of reference. Discussions highlighted the potential to leverage Cambridge's global profile to encourage dispersal and longer stays across the region, and the need to improve visitor information and transport connectivity.

Brownfield Housing Fund

The committee noted the allocation of £26.1 million in capital funding from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to the Combined Authority to deliver a minimum of 870 new homes on brownfield sites by 2031. The committee recommended delegating 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 from MHCLG to support programme administration and staffing, with confirmation received for £557,000 for the first year. The proposed approach involves utilising the Strategic Place Partnership's pipeline of brownfield sites and developing a programme delivery plan.

Local Growth Plan Update

The committee received an update on the Local Growth Plan, which sets out an ambitious model for growth requiring substantial infrastructure investment. Since its launch, the focus has shifted to delivery, with the establishment of a Local Growth Plan programme management board and workstreams covering data, prioritisation, investment pipeline, funding, partnerships, and governance. Roundtables have been held in Peterborough and Huntingdon to discuss key next steps and priorities for opportunity zones. The Business Board has been relaunched, and preparations are underway for the 2027 UKREiiF investment conference. The executive director is seeking additional support to refine the delivery plan, directorate structure, and investment plan, with proposals to be brought forward in the autumn.

Budget and Performance Report

The committee noted the outturn financial position of the Growth Committee's budgets for the financial year 2025/26 and approved carry-forwards for the next four years. Variances were noted, with most expected to slip into future financial years rather than being returned to government. Significant income was received for the Spatial Development Strategy, and revenue expenditure for the Resilience Plan and Spatial Development Strategy is expected to be carried forward.

Election of Vice-Chair

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

Director's Highlight Report

The committee noted the content of the Director's Highlight Report, which provided an update on key activities within the Place and Economy Directorate. This included work on energy, resilience, affordable housing, homelessness and rough sleeping, local remediation acceleration, and local area energy plans.

Minutes of the previous meeting and Action Log

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2026 were approved as an accurate record, and the Action Log was noted by the committee.

Public Questions

A question was received from Ellington Parish Council regarding the publication of a consolidated infrastructure dependency and delivery map for the North Hunts Growth cluster. The response detailed ongoing work to understand and address infrastructure constraints, including transport and utilities, as part of the Local Growth Plan and the emerging Spatial Development Strategy.

Combined Authority Forward Plan

The committee noted the Combined Authority's Forward Plan for June.

Work Programme

The committee noted the Work Programme.

The meeting was confirmed as held, and the decisions listed above were made.