Agenda and draft minutes

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There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2026 were approved and signed by the Chair.

Report of the Assistant Director for Growth, Property and Projects

Mr Newman-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of East Midlands Freeport updated the Group on the progress since its June 2025 meeting. He reported that the Freeport had moved from establishing its framework to delivery, although infrastructure and utilities remained critical to the pace of the development.

The Group was informed that East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is now the accountable body for the Freeport. A Business Plan for 2026-31 had been approved, an Investment Strategy had been published and investor interest remained strong.

Progress across the three tax sites

Ratcliffe on Soar site: an amendment to the Local development Order (LDO) had been approved, a demolition contractor had been appointed and investors had expressed interest.

East Midlands Airport and Gateway Industrial Cluster (EMAGIC): more than 850 jobs and £150m of investment had been delivered.

East Midlands Intermodal Park (EMIP): the business case was progressing, a memorandum of understanding had been agreed with Toyota and investors had expressed interest.

Transport and Infrastructure

Mr Newman-Taylor reported that the M1 Junction 24 remained the principal constraint affecting the Ratcliffe on Soar redevelopment, EMAGIC and growth across the wider Trent Arc. Since July 2025 discussions had continued with the Department of Transport and National Highways, with further modelling, options development and phased delivery planning under way. EMCCA was also supporting a wider programme intended to provide an integrated transport solution.

The Group was advised that delivery was expected to require a combination of public and private sector funding. A government engagement event had been held in Parliament earlier in the year and had produced an encouraging response.

The Group also noted that the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the southern area of the Ratcliffe on Soar site had been adopted.

The Chair asked whether the recent funding cuts for new road schemes and the decision not to extend HS2 would have any impact on the freeport. Mr Newman-Taylor reported the East Midlands Mayors frustration and advised that the Government might support a scheme where private investment and freeport contributions could leveraged. There was, however, no indication that a rail link to the airport would be delivered anytime soon.

Community Engagement

Councillor Brown, a member of the East Midlands Airport Advisory Board said that the M1 Junction 24 had been discussed at great length over many years. He expressed frustration that local communities were not always consulted or considered, citing recent disruption to local traffic caused by bridge-repair road closures. The Chair agreed with Councillor Brown that local communities should be consulted on matters affecting them.

The Assistant Director for Growth, Property and Projects advised that parish and borough councillors were represented on the Ratcliffe on Soar Community Forum, which the Freeport and Uniper attend and where local issues can be raised. Councillor Parekh remained concerned that local wards were not being consulted. Councillor Billin also highlighted the significant effect that road closures associated with improvements to junction 24 could have on local roads and communities.

Mr Newman-Taylor Acknowledged the Groups concerns.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Report of the Director for Finance and Corporate Services

The Chair highlighted there were no future scrutiny items on the Growth and Development Scrutiny Group work programme. The Chair suggested that it might be useful if a Freeport update could be scheduled into the work programme in a year’s time to provide the group with an update of its progress.

It was RESOLVED that the Growth and Development Scrutiny Group agree its work programme.

ACTIONS – 15 July 2026