The Growth Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 03 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on a Water Resilience Plan, the Local Remediation Acceleration Plan, and the Spatial Development Strategy. Other topics slated for consideration are the Local Visitor Economy Partnership Business Plan and updates on the Local Growth Plan and Digital Connectivity Strategy.

Water Resilience Plan

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to be dedicated to the Water Resilience Plan. The report pack indicates that members will be presented with the plan for agreement, and there will be an opportunity to note the Resilience budget allocated to support its implementation. This plan, developed with Water Resources East, addresses the challenges of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood risk, and the importance of water resilience as a strategic enabler for the Combined Authority's growth, nature recovery, and resilience ambitions. The plan acknowledges the complex, multi-agency nature of water management and outlines CPCA's role as a convenor, advocate, and regional systems partner. Key actions are proposed across ten activity areas, focusing on convening and influencing, planning for improved water resilience, supporting communities and businesses, valuing water, delivering infrastructure, encouraging water saving, preparing for emergencies, developing skills, and promoting innovation. The report highlights the scale of the challenge, including future water supply deficits, pressure on wastewater systems, and systemic flood risk, particularly in the Fens.

Local Remediation Acceleration Plan (LRAP)

The committee is scheduled to receive a progress update on the Local Remediation Acceleration Plan (LRAP). This plan focuses on the identification and remediation of high-rise (HRRB) and medium-rise residential buildings (MRRB) with potentially unsafe external wall systems. The report indicates that a refreshed LRAP has been developed, building on the original plan and addressing risks such as landlord reluctance, contractor capacity, and developer disputes. The LRAP commits to monthly operational reviews and quarterly strategic oversight meetings with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The report details the current status of buildings in scope, assessed, and remediated, noting that as of 30 September, 34 High-Rise Residential Buildings (HRRBs) and 189 Medium-Rise Residential Buildings (MRRBs) were in scope for assessment across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The report also outlines the legal framework, funding schemes, and governance arrangements for the LRAP, including the roles of various stakeholders and delivery partners.

Spatial Development Strategy

Progress on the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) will be presented to the committee, alongside an update on the latest position regarding Mayoral planning powers. The report indicates that the formal commencement of the SDS is subject to agreeing a timetable with MHCLG and the publication of forthcoming regulations. Preparatory work is ongoing, focusing on confirming the commission for a digital platform, developing the spatial baseline, and agreeing a place-based Vision for the SDS. The report also details the Government's consultation on additional planning powers for Mayors, which could include powers similar to those of the Mayor of London, the ability to make Mayoral Development Orders, and the potential introduction of a Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy. The committee will be asked to approve the allocation of £1,553,846 in grant funding from MHCLG to progress the SDS.

Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Business Plan

The committee is expected to review and endorse the draft Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Business Plan for 2026/27 to 2030/31. This plan provides the delivery framework for the Destination Management Plan (DMP) and aims to realise the benefits of LVEP accreditation and regional coordination. The plan outlines a phased staffing model, a blended funding approach combining public and private investment, and proposes LVEP governance arrangements. Key milestones achieved to date include brand interviews, insights reports, co-creation workshops, and a regional visitor economy conference. The report also details the proposed membership of the LVEP Board, aiming for a private-sector majority and reflecting the region's diversity.

Local Growth Plan Delivery Update

An update on the Local Growth Plan (LGP) delivery and next steps will be provided. The LGP, launched in December 2025, outlines growth scenarios and an investment pipeline to support infrastructure development across water, energy, transport, housing, and skills. Since March, the Place and Economy Directorate has focused on turning the plan into delivery. Key actions include reviewing and integrating evidence bases, establishing a cross-Combined Authority LGP programme management board, and holding roundtables in Peterborough and Huntingdon to explore growth priorities. KPMG has been appointed to support the next steps of LGP delivery, focusing on the investment pipeline, investment framework, investment cases, directorate restructure, and the LGP delivery plan. The Growth Hub is also evolving its delivery model to a more proactive, growth-led approach, targeting specialist advisor capacity towards businesses in priority sectors.

Connecting Cambridgeshire Digital Connectivity Strategy - Progress Update for 2025-2026

The committee will receive an update on the programme delivery of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Digital Connectivity Strategy for the past year. The strategy aims to ensure high-speed broadband and mobile coverage across the region, supporting growth, business competitiveness, public service delivery, and health equity. Progress highlights include exceeding gigabit broadband coverage targets, significant improvements in 4G and 5G coverage, and the expansion of fibre ducting through transport schemes. The programme also focuses on digital inclusion, with grants awarded to Digital Hubs, device provision, and the expansion of free public access Wi-Fi. Innovation in areas such as autonomous vehicles and smart sensors is also being supported. The report details the budget profile and spend, noting a current forecast underspend due to project delays.

Work Programme

Finally, the committee will have the opportunity to note its Work Programme.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 10:00 am on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, in the CPCA Meeting Room, Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TN. The meeting will be broadcast live via the Combined Authority's website.