Agenda item

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 16 July 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Following the agreement of the previous minutes, the Chair referred to the time elapsed since the July 2025 meeting and expressed concern that a follow-up meeting and/or presentations with representatives from the Freeport had not yet been arranged. The Chair noted the importance of maintaining momentum given the strategic and economic importance of the Freeport to Rushcliffe and more widely to the whole country.

The Director of Development and Economic Growth advised that they could arrange for external representatives to attend a future meeting to provide an update. The Director asked that, ahead of a future external update session, Members identify the specific lines of scrutiny they wish to pursue to ensure the meeting is focused with specific lines of scrutiny. The Director stated that work had continued in the background, including regular meetings with the Freeport, EMCCA and Uniper. The Council also hosts a quarterly forum involving partners including Nottinghamshire County Council, a representative from MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) and the Department for Transport. This forum is used to align issues at the Freeport site.

The Director highlighted key matters at the site that continue to be discussed in these forums. Junction 24 (M1): work ongoing to address a transport cap relating to vehicle movements and capacity, with the Freeport leading engagement involving the Department for Transport, National Highways, local highways authorities and other partners to actively find a solution for this issue. The Director suggested an update could be provided on this specific issue. Local Development Order (LDO): a review is due in summer 2026 following the three-year review period. Uniper has commenced a masterplanning process aligned to the review timetable, considering market changes and demand linked to skills, jobs and green growth. Data centres / AI Growth Zones: consultation had taken place to amend the LDO to enable data centres on land to the south of the site; EMCCA had submitted a bid to Government for an AI Growth Zone and a decision is awaited. The Director emphasised that planning should support delivery and avoid becoming a barrier if the site is selected. Grid connection: securing sufficient grid connection capacity remains a constraint. Uniper has submitted applications and continues engagement with National Grid to progress this. This process is complicated and can be slow.

Councillor Chaplain asked whether the meetings referenced by officers were minuted and whether information could be accessed. The Director advised that the quarterly forum meetings are minuted but contain commercially sensitive information and circulation is restricted to partners; however, Members could raise questions with officers.

Councillor Calvert sought clarification on the nature of the Junction 24 transport cap and the bodies involved, noting the junction is located in Leicestershire. The Director confirmed it is a capacity issue linked to permitted development thresholds, and some development can happen within the current cap. Engagement of National Highways and relevant local highways authorities, alongside the Freeport and EMCCA partners, are all working together to find a solution.

Councillor Calvert also asked whether EMCCA funding could contribute. The Director advised the cost and funding options remain under discussion, and that EMCCA faces challenges allocating funding outside its boundary. Potential funding mechanisms could include a combination of approaches such as Section 106 contributions, an SPD approach and private sector involvement.

The Chair confirmed the group would look forward to future dialogue and meetings with representatives from the Freeport.