This week in Boston:

• At a special meeting, councillors on the Overview & Scrutiny - Corporate & Community Committee voted to recommend moving to a single scrutiny committee.
• The cabinet approved ordering 14 food waste collection vehicles and ending the policy of allowing extra waste bags next to bins.
• The Planning Committee approved 142 affordable homes off Puritan Way, but refused permission for two other housing developments.

Overview & Scrutiny - Corporate & Community Committee - Thursday 08 May 2025

Boston Borough Council's Overview & Scrutiny - Corporate & Community Committee met to discuss the council's scrutiny arrangements. Councillors voted in favour of a proposal to move to a single scrutiny committee of 15 members, meeting monthly, with a focus on enabling task and finish groups to work effectively, and a six-month review of the new arrangements. This recommendation will now go to the full council for a final decision.

The main item on the agenda was a Scrutiny Arrangements Review Report, which explored options for enhancing scrutiny within the council. Councillor Paul Gleeson, Chair of the Committee, said that scrutiny would become more important over the next two to three years as the council transitions to a unitary authority, and that it was vital to ensure maximum power is devolved to the new town council and parishes. He gave the example of on-street parking, suggesting that town councils and larger parishes should be able to take on responsibilities such as managing car parks and employing local traffic wardens.

The report presented two options for the delivery of scrutiny in Boston Borough Council: retain two committees, or move to one single standalone committee that meets regularly. Councillor Barrie Pierpoint supported the idea of a single scrutiny committee, stating that he found himself reading the same material in both committees, which he felt was a duplication of effort and a waste of councillors' time. Councillor Chris Mountain was concerned that one committee would not have enough time to do a good job, particularly with the upcoming changes to local government. Councillor Neil Drayton disagreed, arguing that a strong, focused committee would get through the work. Councillor Andy Izard said that a single committee would streamline the process and save money. Councillor Suzanne Welberry, Deputy Mayor, agreed that the current system was too wordy and reactive, and that it often felt like a waste of time.

Following the discussion, councillors agreed on a proposal to move to a single committee of 15 members, meeting monthly, with an improved focus on task and finish groups. The proposal also included a six-month review of the new arrangements. John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer, confirmed that the recommendation would go to the full council for a final decision, and that the terms of reference would need to be updated.

Cabinet - Wednesday 07 May 2025

Boston Borough Council's cabinet met to discuss the Boston Market Development Plan, the Waste Services Delivery Model, and sponsorship generation in Boston. Councillors agreed to note the progress made against the commitments set out in the Boston Market Development Plan, to approve the placing of an order for 14 food waste collection vehicles, and to pursue a programme of sponsorship generation to support council activity. They also approved changes to the current waste collection policy to remove the presentation of sacks alongside bins.

The cabinet approved the placing of an order for 14 food waste collection vehicles in June 2025 for delivery in 2026-27, and also approved changes to the current waste collection policy to remove the presentation of sacks alongside bins. This was in response to the Environment Act 2021, which requires councils to collect food waste weekly from all households from April 2026 as part of the Waste Reforms Programme. Councillor Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, explained that the council had considered two options for collecting food waste and had determined that using pod vehicles was the most economical, viable, and environmentally friendly approach. To facilitate this, the council will bring forward its capital programme of fleet replacement.

Councillor Butler also proposed ceasing the current policy of allowing residents to place up to four extra bags of waste next to their bins, citing Boston's poor recycling rates (39%), safety concerns for employees, and the need to prevent fly-tipping. He noted that Boston is currently the only council in Lincolnshire with wheelie bins that allow side waste. Councillor Emma Cresswell, Portfolio Holder for Communities (People), supported the proposal, saying she was particularly happy about the removal of side waste because she was concerned about waste bags being opened by animals and the contents ending up as litter. Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder - Housing, raised concerns about the impact on residents who don't like change and asked about support and transition arrangements. Councillor Chris Mountain raised concerns about the Christmas period, when households tend to generate more waste. Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader, responded that this was a policy decision that they would go back and have a look at.

The cabinet noted the progress made against the commitments set out in the Boston Market Development Plan. Councillor Dale Broughton, Deputy Leader, reported that market fees had been reduced as of April 2025, and that a successful capital Investor Save funding bid for £47,750 had enabled the replacement of the markets vehicle with a newer van, new gazebos, and associated equipment. Councillor Broughton stated that the Boston Market Action Plan has been developed as a live document to be continually developed to support accountability within the service to deliver strategically and operationally what is required from this very important borough asset. Councillor Baxter thanked the markets team and noted the positive comments he had received from people about the markets manager, David, and the staff walking around and chatting to people, as well as the increased social media presence. Councillor Butler noted the increased footfall at the markets, especially on the makers and craft market. Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder - Culture, thanked the team and noted that Boston is known to be a market town. Councillor Mountain said he was hugely impressed and really chuffed to bits to see so many local residents and visitors enjoy the experience.

The cabinet gave approval to a programme of pursuing the generation of sponsorship to support council activity. Councillor Broughton introduced a report seeking approval to progress an initiative focusing on how the council might proactively raise sponsorship income to support its activities. He stated that the report was a product of recent discussions between members and officers exploring how, through working with local, regional, and national sponsors, the authority might be able to generate income to support council-led activity. Councillor Baxter agreed with the recommendation that the council have an external contractor, as it is a specialised job, and that the initiative could be target driven. Councillor Mountain said that this was a fantastic initiative and that the council had plenty of assets that could be looked at, such as bin lorries. Councillor Butler said he did not want the council to end up renaming Central Park as Chatterton's Park after a business.

Planning Committee - Tuesday 06 May 2025

The Boston Borough Council Planning Committee met to discuss three planning applications, ultimately approving one and rejecting another two. Permission was granted for 142 affordable dwellings off Puritan Way, while plans for 102 dwellings adjacent to White House Lane, Fishtoft and 89 dwellings to the East of Gaysfield Road, Fishtoft were refused.

The committee approved a planning application for a residential development comprising 142 affordable dwellings and associated works on land adjacent to 78 Puritan Way. The application was subject to conditions and the signing of a Section 106 agreement. Lewis Humphreys, Principal Planning Officer, presented the application, highlighting that all dwellings would be affordable. Richard Larrington, speaking in objection, raised concerns about flooding, the volume of soil to be brought to the site, and the impact on barn owls. Clyde Wicks, agent for the applicant, emphasised the need for social housing and the project's support from Homes England. Following questions from councillors, Mr Humphreys clarified details of the drainage scheme, including the role of an infiltration French drain and the separation of the proposed drain from the residence boundary. Councillor Adams raised the issue of construction access, suggesting a temporary access from Fenside Road. The committee discussed drainage concerns, with Councillor Stephen Woodliffe questioning the ability of the drainage system to cope with heavy rainfall. Councillor Anne Dorrian expressed concern about the property being surrounded on three sides by higher-level properties. Councillor Peter Bedford supported the application, citing the Black Sluice system's approval. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions and the Section 106 agreement.

The committee refused planning permission for the construction of 102 residential dwellings on agricultural land adjacent to White House Lane, Fishtoft. Nick Atkinson, Development Manager for Planning, presented the application, noting it was before the committee following a call-in request from a local ward member. Ian Scott, speaking in objection, argued that the proposal did not comply with the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan (SALLP), disability access legislation, or government policy on privacy. Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder - Culture, who called in the application, raised concerns about the density exceeding local plan recommendations, inconsistent positioning of plots, reduced internal square footage, traffic safety on White House Lane, and accessibility issues due to steps at every entrance. During the discussion, Councillor Broadden raised concerns about traffic and the potential for parking on the corner of White House Lane blocking access to Ryder Gardens. Councillor Evans highlighted safety concerns related to the steps, particularly for children and disabled individuals. Mr Atkinson addressed concerns about pylons, stating that the electricity board had no objections and the scheme complied with their requirements. The committee voted to refuse the application based on density and the development being out of keeping with the character of the area.

The committee refused planning permission for a proposed residential development of 89 dwellings and associated infrastructure on land to the East of Gaysfield Road, Fishtoft. Nick Atkinson, Development Manager for Planning, presented the application, noting it was before the committee following a call-in request from a local ward member. Ian Scott, speaking in objection, argued that the proposal exceeded the SALLP allowance for dwellings, lacked adequate flood mitigation, and ignored government policy on privacy. Parish Councillor Helen Crawford, Chairperson of Fishtoft Parish Council, raised concerns about the travel assessment, arguing that the selected sites for comparison were not relevant to Fishtoft Village. Councillor Helen Staples, who called in the application, expressed concerns about the density, impact on existing development, traffic, and flood risk. During the discussion, Councillor Woodliffe questioned the presence of shops and facilities in Fishtoft. Councillor Austin defended the council's position, stating that the Highway Authority had assessed the application and raised no objections. Councillor Cantwell expressed concern that there were not enough policy grounds to refuse the application. The committee voted again, but the result was the same.

This week, Boston Borough Council's Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues including the Borough's new Growth and Prosperity Plan, a new Street Art Policy and the council's Productivity Plan. The meeting took place at Municipal Buildings on Wednesday 26 June 2024 at 10:30. You can watch a recording of the meeting here: http://opencouncil.network/meetings/24746.

The Cabinet is responsible for making decisions on most aspects of the council's work. The Cabinet comprises the Leader of the Council and a number of other councillors who are appointed by the Leader. The Cabinet meets in public at least ten times a year, and its meetings are open to the public. You can find out more about the role of the Cabinet, who the members are and when their next meeting will take place on the council's website.

The Growth and Prosperity Plan was introduced by Councillor Anne Dorrian, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Commercialisation. Councillor Dorrian described the plan as fundamental to the economic well-being of the Borough and a statutory requirement of the [Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2022](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/2/contents/enacted).

Councillor Dorrian explained that the Growth and Prosperity Plan had been developed with the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership and was a high-level strategic document that identified the shared ambition for growth across the sub-region. The plan identified a number of key sectors for growth in the area including food, logistics, visitors and tourism. The plan also set out the need for partnerships between local government, businesses and education to achieve growth and improve the skills of the local population.

Councillor Brian Rush, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning, argued that the plan would give potential developers confidence in the council's plans for growth.

Councillor Paul Skinner, Portfolio Holder for Waste and Climate Change, said that the plan would bring jobs and investment to the area.

The Cabinet voted unanimously to approve the plan.

Councillor Dale Broughton, Portfolio Holder for Housing, introduced the new Street Art Policy. He said that street art could

bring many social, economic and cultural benefits to Boston, attracting tourism and increasing footfall in the town centre

He argued that a policy was necessary to provide a balance between

providing opportunities for street artists and ensuring that street art is located in appropriate places, is of a high quality and does not cause nuisance or offence.

Councillor Broughton explained that the policy set out how the council would encourage street art, for example through a programme of commissioned murals, and by making it easier for businesses and individuals to get permission for murals.

Councillor Baxter said that he welcomed the report and argued that

We are not talking about graffiti, we are talking about street art... this is art in the format that is acceptable in this day and age

Councillor Butler argued that the policy struck the right balance between being permissive and controlling. Councillor Ghosh echoed these comments and said that he looked forward to seeing more art in the Borough.

The Cabinet voted unanimously to approve the policy.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Business and the Visitor Economy, presented the council's Productivity Plan. The plan set out how the council planned to make efficiency savings over the coming year.

Councillor Baxter said that he

very much welcomed the report in terms of where we are going as a council

but argued that it lacked detail and that

we do need to be looking at our outputs.

Councillor Ghosh replied that it was too early to be more specific about where savings might come from.

The Cabinet voted unanimously to note the plan.