Issue - meetings

To receive an update from the Executive Director on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the Director’s Highlight Report.

The Executive Director, Place & Connectivity, introduced the report which provided an update on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    The Committee was reminded that the Combined Authority oversaw the Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub (GSENZ). The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) was currently in discussions regarding the repositioning of these hubs, with a shift towards a focus on energy rather than broader Net Zero objectives. No revised draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had yet been provided, and any changes affecting the remit of the Hub would be brought to the Committee for review.

b)    The Chair and other members had attended the Audit and Governance Risk Deep Dive on climate. The meeting was well-chaired and provided valuable discussions on international, national, and local climate risks, along with the actions being undertaken by the Authority.

c)     A question was raised regarding whether the Combined Authority’s involvement in the Strategic Place Partnership signified a return to house building or was merely an exercise in managing new delegated powers. It was clarified that the Authority was not engaging directly in house building but was working with Homes England to address barriers to development, including considerations of tenure and affordability.  Updates will be brought to future meetings.

d)    A discussion took place regarding past housing initiatives, with members acknowledging previous challenges within the Combined Authority. The importance of learning from past mistakes was emphasised, and the role of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in examining historical decisions was noted.

e)    Noting the reference in the report to Silicon Valley as a growth model, concerns were expressed about the potential environmental impact of rapid growth. In response, it was noted that substantial efforts had been made to integrate environmental considerations into the Oxford-Cambridge Pan Regional Partnership, including the adoption of environmental principles by local councils. It was stressed that being part of the conversation ensured that sustainability remained a priority in growth planning.

f)      Members reiterated the importance of sustainability in all growth projects, ensuring that natural and infrastructure resources were considered. The need for planning frameworks to incorporate environmental costs from the outset was highlighted.

g)    A question was raised regarding the incorporation of carbon reduction measures in the Homes England agreement. It was confirmed that the agreement included Net Zero considerations, but further discussions were required to clarify implementation details. A follow-up on this topic would be brought back to the Committee for review.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the content of the report.

ACTIONS:

1.     Changes to the remit of GSENZ, once known, to be brought back to the Committee for review.

2.     Update on the SPP to be presented to a future committee meeting.

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To receive an update from the Executive Director on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the Director’s Highlight Report.

The Executive Director, Place & Connectivity, introduced the report which provided an update on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    A query was raised regarding support for capital funding of community energy projects. While opportunities remained uncertain, the GSENZH Director was engaging with Great British Energy to explore possibilities.

b)    Peterborough City Council (PCC) was participating in the Heat Network Zoning Pilot Project, with draft heat network zones identified.

c)    Members discussed the potential legal constraints in the UK on heat zoning compared to European models.

d)    The winding down of the existing affordable housing program remains on track.

e)    The new partnership with Homes England focused on governance and planning at a strategic level.

f)     The Mayor affirmed that all future collaboration will be undertaken in coordination with constituent authorities.

g)    Uncertainty remained regarding the timetable and process for taking on strategic planning responsibilities. Given the evolving nature of local plans and governance frameworks, further clarity form the Government was required.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the content of the report

ACTION:

1.    Officers to contact PCC to schedule an update on the Heat Network Zoning Pilot Project for a future committee meeting.

To receive an update from the Executive Director on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the Director’s Highlight Report.

The Executive Director, Place & Connectivity, introduced the report which provided an update on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members emphasised the importance of updates on the Local Growth Plan as this would allow for oversight of the project plan, timetable, and progress.

b)    Updates were sought on Ely North Junction, the A10, and the A47. The Director provided brief updates, referencing ongoing discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) and partnerships with England’s Economic Heartland and Transport East.

c)    The Director confirmed the integration of the findings of the Fenland Climate Change Risk Assessment into climate action planning and the Local Growth Plan, with further details to be shared in future meetings.

d)    The Committee acknowledged the initiation of a review by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee into historical governance issues within the Affordable Housing Program.

e)    Updates were provided on available funding linked to Peterborough garage site developments and efforts to allocate remaining grants effectively.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the content of the report

ACTIONS:

1.    The Fenland Climate Change Risk Assessment to be published on the Combined Authority’s website and shared with local planning authorities.

2.    Officers to include updates on the Local Growth Plan, the sustainability agenda, and the housing program on the agenda for upcoming committee meetings

To receive an update from the Executive Director on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the Director’s Highlight Report.

The Executive Director, Place & Connectivity, introduced the report which provided an update on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members voiced concern over prioritising reduced energy consumption over expanding carbon capture capabilities, stressing that reduction in fossil fuel usage should take precedence.

b)    The Mayor noted that while expertise on carbon capture infrastructure was essential, it may not be directly relevant to this region given geographical constraints. He advocated an approach of "reduce, reuse, recycle" and emphasised the necessity of balancing various climate actions.

c)     The Executive Director affirmed the importance of integrating skills and employment considerations into the Climate Action Plan and agreed to coordinate with the Skills and Employment Committee to explore green skills and employment opportunities as part of the Climate Action Plan

d)    The Local Growth Plan, which was in development, would integrate sustainability measures with climate change considerations. Plans for enhanced infrastructure resilience and water management would be a priority.

e)    Members stressed the need for improved water capture to balance seasonal water supply issues and support local agricultural needs. The Director agreed and highlighted the intention to bring Water Resources East to a future meeting for a detailed review of statutory water management plans.

f)      Officers confirmed that the Advanced Manufacturing initiative did encompass Green and Clean Technology which aligned the Local Growth Plan (LGP) with broader environmental objectives.

g)    Members expressed disappointment over the absence of explicit social housing provisions in the current draft of the LGP. The Director clarified that this draft was still under review with the government and partners, and language may evolve as discussions progressed. The challenges in the Social Housing sector, particularly in terms of councils' expenditure on temporary accommodation for homeless individuals and families, was acknowledged.

h)    The CPCA had actively participated in consultations on the national planning policy framework. While specific details of the proposed changes remained pending, the importance of collaboration across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region to adapt to any shifts in the planning landscape was recognised.

i)      The Infrastructure Delivery Framework report, which was later on the agenda, would address regional infrastructure needs. The ongoing collaboration among local Place Directors to address energy, water, connectivity, and biodiversity challenges as part of the local growth and infrastructure planning was highlighted

j)      The Mayor emphasised the unique position of the Combined Authority to tackle national and local challenges by bringing together representatives from across the County. He reiterated support for the Government’s direction on devolution, especially in the areas of planning and strategic spatial planning. The Mayor also noted the positive track record in housing delivery within Cambridge City and Huntingdonshire and expressed optimism about the collaborative potential of local authorities to address environmental and infrastructure needs.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the content of the report

To receive an update from the Executive Director on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Environment and Sustainable Communities.

RESOLVED:

To note the Director’s Highlight Report.