The Boston Borough Planning Committee met on Tuesday 6 October 2026, refusing an application for an adult gaming centre in the town centre and a change of use for an MOT bay in Wigtoft, while approving emergency accommodation for rough sleepers.

Change of Use to Adult Gaming Centre, 610 St Bargate, Boston

The committee refused an application to change the use of a former YMCA charity shop on Straight Bargate, Boston, to an adult gaming centre. Councillors expressed concerns about the impact on the primary shopping frontage, the potential for an over-proliferation of similar uses, and the effect on the town's character and community well-being. While officers noted the applicant's marketing efforts indicating a lack of interest from traditional retail, objectors and councillors argued that such a venue would detract from the town centre's family-friendly atmosphere and could exacerbate existing deprivation. The decision was made on the grounds that the proposal would have an adverse impact on the character of the area, the vitality and viability of the primary shopping centre, and would not support the creation of healthy, inclusive, and safe places, contrary to policies 24, 25, 26, and 32 of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Change of Use and Erection of MOT Bay, Auto Truck Limited, Main Road, Wigtoft

An application to change the use of agricultural land to accommodate an MOT bay for commercial vehicles at Auto Truck Limited in Wigtoft was refused. The primary concerns raised by councillors and objectors centred on highway safety, parking provision, and the impact on residential amenity. Despite the applicant providing a revised noise impact assessment and the highway authority stating there would be no severe impact, councillors felt that existing parking issues were not adequately addressed and that the intensification of use could lead to adverse impacts. Concerns were also raised about potential fumes and particulates from diesel engines, although officers noted that these were not explicitly detailed in the report. The refusal was based on the potential for adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity and highway safety due to the intensification of use and inadequate parking provision, contrary to policies 30 and 36 of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Change of Use to Emergency Accommodation, Nelson Way, Boston

The committee unanimously approved an application for a change of use of a former Air Training Corps building on Nelson Way, Boston, to provide emergency cold weather accommodation for rough sleepers. The building, owned by Boston Borough Council, will only be used when temperatures are forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below for three consecutive nights. Councillors acknowledged the flood risk associated with the site but were reassured by the proposed management plan, including early warning alerts and evacuation procedures. The provision of a managed, supervised environment was seen as a significant humanitarian benefit, offering a safer alternative to sleeping rough during severe weather and providing opportunities for engagement with vulnerable individuals.

Change of Use to Eight Industrial Units, Blue Line Trailers, Main Road, Alderchurch

An application to subdivide an existing commercial premises at Blue Line Trailers on Main Road, Alderchurch, into eight individual industrial units was refused. Officers recommended refusal due to concerns about the potential for significant adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity from noise, fumes, and increased activity. While the applicant proposed mitigation measures, including an acoustic fence and working time restrictions, the council's Environmental Health Department raised concerns about the reliability of the noise assessment and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation. Councillors agreed that the potential harm to neighbouring amenity outweighed the economic benefits of the proposal, citing the applicant's own noise assessment acknowledging a potential for significant impact.