The Greater Lincolnshire Business and Infrastructure Board met to discuss several key initiatives, including the STEP fusion project, the establishment of an Enhanced Water Partnership, the adoption of an Innovation Strategy, preparations for a Spatial Development Strategy, and an emerging housing strategy. The board elected Councillor Stan Shreeve as Vice Chairman and approved the Business and Infrastructure Board Terms of Reference with amendments.

STEP Fusion Project

The board received a presentation from Ben Bradley, head of communications and engagement at STEP Fusion, regarding the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project at West Burton Power Station. The project aims to build the UK's first prototype fusion energy plant, with construction expected to start in the early 2030s and operation planned for 2040.

Bradley explained that fusion energy involves fusing hydrogen atoms under extreme heat to produce energy, offering a clean, safe, and efficient energy source. The project is transitioning from research to commercialisation, with the goal of making fusion a viable part of the UK's energy mix.

The project promises several benefits:

• Low-carbon, reliable energy
• Significant economic and job creation potential
• Regional impact across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands
• Opportunities for local businesses, infrastructure, and academic partnerships

Councillor Sean Matthews, Lincolnshire County Council Leader, stressed the importance of infrastructure improvements, particularly to the A1 road and railway, to support the project.

Councillor District Donald Nannestad requested a copy of the presentation slides, particularly those showing the expected workforce and its origin. He also sought assurance about the project's viability. Bradley responded that while the science was proven, the challenge lay in achieving commercial viability.

Councillor Richard Wright noted the long history of fusion research and questioned the timeline. Bradley clarified that STEP aimed to build a power plant that puts energy on the grid, with a firm timeline for construction to begin by 2030.

Councillor Ashley Baxter questioned the job creation figures and the project's reliance on public money. Bradley clarified the job figures as annual averages and emphasised the goal of attracting private sector investment.

Alison Hands highlighted the broader business impact beyond construction jobs, anticipating a significant impact on secondary and tertiary businesses.

The board voted to note the content of the paper and receive the presentation from Bradley.

Mayoral Enhanced Water Partnership

The board discussed a report proposing the establishment of a Mayoral Enhanced Water Partnership (EWP) in Greater Lincolnshire. The EWP aims to provide a strategic approach to water management, focusing on flood prevention, water scarcity, and supporting economic growth and investment.

The partnership's role will include lobbying for investment and bringing forward innovative solutions, while not duplicating existing efforts or replacing local authorities' statutory functions.

Councillor Wright emphasised the importance of water provision in planning and called for representation from district councils. Councillor Nannestad seconded this point. Councillor Baxter, a County Councillor on the Dundall Drainage Board, supported the initiative but also stressed the need to address water supply infrastructure and coastal flooding issues.

Councillor Matthews stated that land reclamation had nothing to do with climate change.

The board agreed to include a district council representative in the partnership's membership. Councillor Rob Waltham supported the inclusion, and the board voted to endorse the establishment of the EWP with the amended membership.

Greater Lincolnshire Innovation Strategy

The board considered a report on the Greater Lincolnshire Innovation Strategy, which aims to create a culture of innovation, target growth opportunities, and increase access to funding and investment.

The strategy focuses on two main objectives:

• Supporting all businesses to innovate
• Accelerating strategic growth and innovation opportunities

Councillor Liam Mark Kelly suggested that innovation should focus not only on funding but also on business investment and staff development. The board agreed to update the strategy to reflect this.

The board voted to endorse the Greater Lincolnshire Innovation Strategy for adoption by the authority.

Spatial Development Strategy

The board reviewed a report on preparing a Greater Lincolnshire Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). Ruth Carver, Interim Deputy Director, explained that the SDS would be a high-level strategic document focusing on spatial dimensions across Greater Lincolnshire.

Councillor Wright raised concerns about the timing, given the ongoing review of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. He questioned how the SDS could be formulated without universal coverage of local plans. Carver responded that the preparatory work would involve conversations with local authorities and would not involve priority work or commissioning research.

Councillor Matthews called for simpler terminology in future documents to improve public understanding.

Councillor Baxter requested a timeline and budget for the strategy. Carver stated that an indicative timetable was not yet available, and no money had been allocated to this project.

The board voted to note the potential duty to produce an SDS, approve the commencement of preparatory activity, and agree to accept any available government funds.

Emerging Housing Strategy

The board discussed a report on the GLCCA Emerging Housing Strategy Preparations for Strategic Place Partnership. The report sought approval to commence sifting of pipeline sites in line with agreed objectives and investment principles.

Councillor Waltham stated that the market would build what the market would build, and the focus should be on people who do not fit the market profile. He identified three target groups: older people, veterans, and younger people. He proposed adding a recommendation to prioritise these groups. Councillor Shreeve seconded the proposal.

Councillor Wright stated that Homes England was a tool of the government, and the government had said that it would stop funding. He added that local plans were needed to ensure that the strategy would work.

Councillor Nannestad stated that housing needed to be in the right place.

Councillor Baxter asked about veterans' villages and how co-funding would work.

The board voted to approve the recommendations, with the addition of prioritising housing provision for older people, veterans and young people.