The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday, 13 April 2026, to discuss several planning applications and traffic regulation orders. Key decisions included agreeing to undertake site visits for two proposed anaerobic digestion plants and approving various waiting restrictions in Bourne, Caistor, Spalding, and Waddington, as well as a segregated cycleway/footway in Spalding.

Site Visits for Anaerobic Digestion Plants

The committee agreed to undertake site visits for two proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) plants. One application, from StreamBioenergy UK Ltd, is for a biogas plant at Land to the West of Moy Park Facility and South of the A153, Anwick. This facility would process poultry manure and agricultural food waste to generate biomethane for the national gas network. The second application is from Naylor Farms for an AD plant at Land to the East of Surfleet Bank and West of Woad Farm, Spalding, which would process commercial food waste. The purpose of the site visits, scheduled before the main committee meeting on 11 May 2026, is for councillors to assess the proposed developments in context with the surrounding landscape and to evaluate the suitability of proposed access routes for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Councillor James Bean raised the question of whether the committee had experience with operational AD plants and suggested visiting an existing site to understand potential issues like smell and air pollution. Neil McBride, Head of Planning, confirmed that a visit to an existing AD plant at Hemswell would be included as part of the site visit day, serving as a training exercise for the committee.

Traffic Regulation Orders

The committee considered and made recommendations on several proposed traffic regulation orders, primarily focusing on waiting restrictions in various locations.

Bourne, Sandown Drive – Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions on Sandown Drive in Bourne. These restrictions, including double yellow lines and part-time restrictions, aim to address school-related parking that obstructs accesses and junctions. Five objections were received, primarily concerning inconvenience to residents and potential loss of on-street parking. However, the committee agreed with the officers' recommendation to overrule these objections, stating that the proposed measures are the minimum necessary to improve traffic flow and visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Councillor Kenneth Redfern, whose ward includes the area, supported the proposals, noting the road's narrowness and busyness. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Edwards Vernon also supported the measures, acknowledging the need to prioritise pedestrian safety near the school.

Bourne, Westbourne Park – Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions in Westbourne Park, Bourne, aimed at improving visibility and safety around the local primary school. The proposals include double yellow lines at junctions and narrow sections, along with part-time restrictions near the school. Six objections were received, with concerns ranging from the effectiveness of enforcement to the removal of existing restrictions and the year-round application of part-time measures. A statement from a local constituent, read by Andrew Warnes, highlighted specific concerns about the removal of a 'no waiting' restriction in a turning bay and the proposed removal of protection on corners of the cul-de-sac. Neil McBride explained that the proposed restrictions would allow for more effective enforcement and that the council would revisit the area if further concerns arose. Councillor Martin Hill OBE and Councillor Mrs Charlotte Edwards Vernon both supported the proposals, acknowledging the significant parking issues around the busy school and the officers' efforts to address them.

Caistor, South Street and Mill Lane – Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions at the junction of South Street and Mill Lane in Caistor. The proposals include double yellow lines on South Street extending into Mill Lane and a bus stop clearway. These measures are intended to remove parking that obstructs traffic flow, particularly for buses and HGVs, and to improve visibility at the junction. Two objections were received from residents concerned about the reduction in on-street parking, as many properties lack off-street facilities. Councillor James Bean, the ward representative, fully supported the recommendation, citing recent disruptions to bus services due to excessive parking. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Edwards Vernon also supported the proposals, highlighting the potential obstruction for emergency vehicles and the importance of maintaining bus stop access.

Spalding, Pinchbeck Road – Proposed Segregated and Shared Use Cycleway/Footway

The committee recommended approving the proposed segregated and shared use cycleway/footway on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding. This scheme, funded by Active Travel England, aims to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities, linking residential areas with the town centre and employment zones. Fourteen objections were received, primarily from residents of Swallows Court, a retirement complex, expressing concerns about safety due to potential conflict between cyclists and pedestrians, particularly with e-bikes, and the condition of existing footways. The project team confirmed that footways would be widened and resurfaced, with physical separation between pedestrians and cyclists in key areas, including near Swallows Court. Councillor Gary Taylor and Councillor Martin Hill OBE both spoke in support, emphasising the need to promote active travel and the benefits of improved infrastructure, while also acknowledging the concerns raised by objectors.

Waddington, Hollywell Road – Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions on Hollywell Road in Waddington. The proposals include double yellow lines around the junction of Sherwood Drive and part-time restrictions on the bend itself, along with a bus stop clearway. These measures are intended to improve traffic flow, particularly for buses on a well-used route, and to enhance forward visibility. Six objections were received, mainly from residents concerned about the reduction in on-street parking. The officers noted that the part-time restrictions on the bend would apply only from Monday to Saturday during the daytime, allowing parking overnight and on Sundays. A minor modification was also approved to remove a short section of double yellow line opposite number 16 Sherwood Drive to benefit local residents. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Edwards Vernon proposed the motion, highlighting the need to protect bus routes and the reliability of public transport.

Other Business

The committee also approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on 9 March 2026. Apologies were received from Councillor Marion Overton MBE and Councillor Paul Wumhurst. Declarations of interest were made by Councillor Kenneth Redfern regarding item 5.1 and Councillor James Bean regarding item 5.3.