The City Region Board met on Friday 4 September 2026 to discuss a range of strategic economic development and planning matters for Gloucestershire. Key topics included updates on the Local Transport Plan, climate and planning initiatives, the Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF), and progress on local plans and the Spatial Development Strategy.

Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Sector Review

The Board was scheduled to review a report concerning the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) sector in Gloucestershire. This sector is identified as nationally significant and a key contributor to the county's economy, with strengths in areas such as precision engineering, aerospace, and defence. The report was expected to detail the sector's composition, spatial distribution, and the conditions necessary for future growth. It was also anticipated to highlight challenges such as skills shortages and a lack of industrial premises, and to propose recommendations including the establishment of an industry-led AEM leadership group and improved alignment between skills provision and employer demand. The report noted that the Tewkesbury Borough Council is leading a county-wide programme to support this sector, funded by the SEDF.

Local Transport Plan - Post Consultation Update

A presentation was scheduled to provide an update on the Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan (LTP) following a period of public consultation. The LTP, covering the period 2027-2043, aims to address key issues such as the need for new housing, transport's contribution to carbon emissions, transport-related social exclusion, road safety, and the promotion of active travel. The consultation feedback indicated strong public agreement with the LTP's vision and priorities, with particular emphasis on the need for improved bus services, better rural transport links, and the maintenance of roads and pavements. The draft LTP was expected to respond to these concerns by including plans for enhanced bus services, support for demand-responsive transport in rural areas, and a stronger focus on network maintenance.

Climate and Planning Manager – Progress Report

An update was provided on the progress of the Countywide Climate and Planning Manager role, a two-year position funded by the SEDF. The report aimed to inform the Board about the successes and challenges encountered since the role began in November 2025. The primary focus has been on embedding climate change considerations into local planning policy and preparing for the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). Successes noted included the inclusion of ambitious climate policies in the Strategic and Local Plan (SLP), the development of example planning policies, and the commissioning of collective climate evidence. However, challenges were identified, including varied uptake of the support offered across different authorities and difficulties in accessing necessary data. The report outlined next steps, including continued support for local plan teams and the emerging SDS.

Business Rate Pool and Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF)

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on the Gloucestershire Business Rate Pool and the Strategic Economic Development Fund (SEDF). The SEDF is a fund managed by the City Region Board, generated from the Business Rates Pool, to support projects driving economic growth across Gloucestershire. The update was expected to cover the final year of the Business Rates Pool, detailing business rates growth and allocations to the SEDF and local councils. It was noted that there would be no further contributions to the SEDF from the business rates pool in 2026/27 due to government changes to the retention system. The report was also expected to highlight the unallocated balance within the SEDF and address requests for future monitoring reports to include clearer explanations of project outcomes and underspends.

Update from Gloucestershire Business Board

An update was scheduled from the Gloucestershire Business Board, a recently established advisory body designed to provide an independent business voice and contribute intelligence and challenge to Gloucestershire's economic priorities. The Board confirmed its support for the Local Growth Plan and highlighted a desire for focused delivery and clear business input into strategic decisions. Key themes discussed at its inaugural meeting included Artificial Intelligence as both an economic opportunity and a workforce challenge, and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation for maintaining economic leadership and business engagement. The Board's headline views on the five economic missions of the Local Growth Plan were also to be presented.

Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) Update

The Board was to be updated on the progress of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). The report outlined a proposed strategy for a six-week informal engagement period in November-December 2026, aimed at maximising public participation. This engagement would focus on strategic themes such as climate, environment, health, homes, economy, movement, community, and infrastructure. The views gathered would inform the draft SDS. The report also detailed a communication campaign, a stakeholder list, and plans for online surveys and in-person events. Particular attention was to be given to engaging seldom heard groups to ensure a comprehensive understanding of community needs.

Local Plan Update

A written update was provided on the plan-making process for Gloucestershire's Local Plans and the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). The report detailed the progress of individual Local Plans under both the legacy and new planning systems, including submission deadlines and consultation periods for Cotswold District Council, the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Strategic & Local Plan (SLP), Forest of Dean District Council, and Stroud District Council. It also addressed the anticipated statutory duty for upper-tier authorities to produce an SDS, noting the delay in government guidance and decisions on SDS geographies. The report highlighted risks associated with tight deadlines, potential consultation fatigue, resourcing challenges, and the impact of Local Government Reorganisation on the plan-making process.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Consideration was to be given to excluding the press and public from a portion of the meeting to discuss exempt information, as defined by the Local Government Act 1972.

Exempt Minutes

The Board was scheduled to approve the exempt minutes from the previous meeting held on 13 July 2026.