The Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 15 May 2026 to discuss a range of environmental issues, including updates on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ programme, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and the Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan. The committee also reviewed a surface water scheme in Cherry Willingham, considered carbon capture technology, and discussed its work programme.

Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme Update

Chris Miller, Head of Environment, and Deborah Hickton from the Environmental Agency provided an update on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ programme. The programme aims to develop a new tidal flood risk management strategy for the Lincolnshire coast and surrounding areas. A partnership has been formed between Lincolnshire County Council, the Environment Agency, East Lindsey District Council, and Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board to develop a business case for government investment. The current sea defences are ageing, with 85% having a residual life of less than 15 years. Without intervention, communities such as Skegness, Sutton-on-Sea, and Mablethorpe would be at significant risk of inundation. The partnership is working towards a Gateway Zero readiness assessment by March 2027, which is a critical deadline for securing future funding. Councillor Carrington highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that No decision is a decision and stressed the need to proceed with the plan. The committee acknowledged the work undertaken and recommended that the Executive Councillor for the Environment and the Executive Director for Place continue to work with partners to develop the coastal strategy, requesting a further update in Quarter 3.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Chris Miller, Head of Environment, and Dan Clayton, Sustainability Manager, presented the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This strategy is a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021, aiming to identify valuable areas for nature and create a plan for biodiversity recovery. The strategy is map-based and will inform planning, land management, flood resilience, and climate goals. Councillor Whittaker raised concerns about the conflict between the government's legally binding commitment to end nature declines and the continued development of industrial solar farms and battery storage systems on food-producing farmland. Officers clarified that while the LNRS is advisory, it will be a consideration in planning processes, particularly for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The committee acknowledged the report and its recommendations to the Executive.

Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft

Neil McBride, Head of Planning, presented the Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan proposed submission draft. This plan is crucial for ensuring a sufficient supply of minerals and managing waste sustainably. The plan must comply with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), including policies on climate change and sustainable development. A significant concern raised by Councillor Baxter and others was the inclusion of a policy that allows for the exploration of hydrocarbons, including oil and gas, despite the climate change implications. Officers explained that this policy is a requirement of the NPPF and that any applications would be assessed against environmental criteria. There was considerable debate regarding the proposed site allocations, particularly the removal of the West Deeping allocation due to deliverability concerns, and the addition of new sites near Baston, which residents argued would lead to unacceptable cumulative impacts. Councillor Baxter proposed pausing the process to utilise the new planning system, which was seconded by Councillor Murray. However, officers warned that delaying submission beyond December 2026 would lead to a four-year vacuum in planning policy, potentially leaving communities more vulnerable to speculative applications. Ultimately, the committee voted against Councillor Baxter's proposal, agreeing to proceed with the current plan and its recommendations to the Executive.

Cherry Willingham Fiskerton Road & Waterford Lane Surface Water Scheme

Matthew Harrison, Flood Risk and Water Manager, and Ashley Myers, Flood Risk Programme Coordinator, presented the Cherry Willingham Fiskerton Road & Waterford Lane Surface Water Scheme. The scheme aims to address recurring surface water flooding issues in the area, which have affected numerous properties and the highway since 2019. The proposed solution involves a two-phase approach, including extending an open watercourse, installing a new box culvert, and creating a bypass system. The estimated cost of the scheme is £526,167, funded through the existing Floods and Water Management Capital Budget. The committee acknowledged the report and its recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Environment and the Executive Councillor for Resources.

Carbon Capture Technology – Safety and Environmental Impacts

Chris Yorston, Head of Waste, introduced a presentation by Paul Koenig from Ramboll on carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology. The presentation explained the process of capturing, transporting, utilising, and storing CO2, and its relevance to Lincolnshire, particularly concerning the East Coast Cluster and the potential inclusion of the Energy from Waste facility in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. Concerns were raised about the energy required for CCUS, the permanence of underground storage, and the limited current market for CO2 utilisation. Safety challenges related to CO2 transport via pipelines were also discussed, with assurances that established standards aim to minimise risks. Councillor Reid questioned the overall necessity of CCUS, suggesting a focus on alternative fuels and natural carbon capture methods like tree planting. The committee acknowledged the presentation and thanked the officers and Paul Koenig for their input.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Colclough, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. Several items were updated, including the addition of reports on household waste recycling centres and the Greater Lincolnshire Groundwater Project. A site visit to Gibraltar Point, the coast near Skegness, and the Coast Country Park was proposed by Chris Miller to provide practical context to the discussions on coastal defences and nature recovery. The committee agreed to the proposed work programme, including the potential site visit.

The meeting concluded with the committee acknowledging the work undertaken and making recommendations to the Executive on the various items discussed.