This week in South Holland:

Planning for the Future: Council Tackles Joint Local Plan and Heritage Preservation

South Holland District Council is embarking on a significant planning initiative that will shape the future of development across the district for years to come. The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, to lay the groundwork for a new Joint Local Plan, a crucial document that will guide growth and development in partnership with Boston Borough Council.

• The Stakes: This new Joint Local Plan is more than just a planning document; it's a blueprint for the future of our communities. It will determine where new homes can be built, where businesses can thrive, and how our infrastructure will develop. For residents, especially vulnerable groups, this means ensuring that future developments provide access to affordable housing, essential services, and green spaces. Without a robust plan, the district risks unregulated development and planning by appeal, which can lead to outcomes that don't serve the best interests of the community.
• What's Happening: The committee is set to begin the complex process of creating this new plan, a task mandated by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, which requires plans to be produced within a tight 30-month timeframe. The committee was asked to endorse the commencement of this work, noting the significant changes to the local plan-making system and the proposed governance structure, resources, and timetable. The goal is to have a submission ready by December 2026.
• Why it Matters: Having an up-to-date local plan is a legal requirement. It ensures that development is managed effectively and sustainably, preventing uncontrolled growth that could strain local resources and negatively impact the environment and quality of life for residents.

You can find more details about this crucial planning initiative in the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee meeting documents.

Protecting Our Heritage: Plans for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding

Alongside the forward-looking planning for development, the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee also received updates on vital work to preserve and enhance the heritage of Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding.

• The Stakes: Our heritage is a key part of our identity and a significant draw for visitors. These documents aim to protect the unique character of our historic areas, ensuring that new developments are sympathetic to their surroundings. For residents, this means maintaining the charm and historical integrity of their towns, fostering a sense of pride and place.
• What's Happening: The committee was updated on the progress of several key heritage documents. This includes the final versions of the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding, which propose boundary changes to better protect areas of special architectural and historic interest. Additionally, the Spalding Heritage Strategy and its Action Plan for Transformative Change were presented, outlining a 10-year vision for Spalding's heritage. The South East Lincolnshire Council Partnership (SELCP) Traditional Building Design Guide was also discussed, offering guidance for new builds that respect the historic environment.
• Public Input: These documents have been subject to public consultation, with comments incorporated into the final versions, demonstrating a commitment to community involvement in shaping our heritage protection strategies.

You can find more details about these heritage preservation efforts in the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee meeting documents.

Council Performance: A Mixed Bag of Service Delivery

The Performance Monitoring Panel met on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, to review the council's performance across a range of services during the final quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. While many areas are performing well, some key indicators highlight areas needing urgent attention.

Castle Sports Swimming Pool Pump: Ongoing Issues

An update was provided on the persistent problems with the Castle Sports Swimming Pool pump. The pump, replaced in July 2025, failed again in February 2026. Investigations suggest cavitation[^1] may be the cause, a recurring issue at the pool.

• The Stakes: A functioning swimming pool is a vital community asset, providing opportunities for recreation, exercise, and social interaction for residents of all ages. Delays in resolving this issue mean reduced access to these benefits, impacting public health and well-being. For families and individuals who rely on the pool for fitness or leisure, this is a significant disruption.
• What's Happening: The replacement pump is still being manufactured in Italy, with significant delays impacting its installation. The panel was asked to note the situation and make any appropriate recommendations.

You can find more details about this issue in the Performance Monitoring Panel meeting documents.

Housing Complaints and Service Improvement: A Focus on Tenant Experience

The panel reviewed the Housing Annual Complaints and Service Improvement Report, which detailed a decrease in Stage 2 complaints but highlighted that a significant proportion of complaints were upheld.

• The Stakes: For residents living in council housing, timely and effective complaint resolution is crucial. When complaints are upheld, it signifies that the council has not met its obligations, potentially impacting the quality of life and safety of tenants. Issues related to contractor performance and damp, condensation, and mould (DCM) were identified as key areas for improvement.
• What's Happening: The report indicated that 66% of Stage 1 and 50% of Stage 2 complaints were upheld. Contractor performance and DCM issues were cited as primary reasons. The council is planning service improvements, including staff training and better communication regarding contractor works, to address these concerns.

You can find more details about the housing performance and improvement plans in the Performance Monitoring Panel meeting documents.

Performance Report: Corporate Complaints and Homelessness Prevention Need Attention

The Q4 Performance Report for 2025-26 revealed that while 87% of performance metrics were on target, two key areas require significant focus.

• The Stakes: The Percentage of corporate complaints responded to within corporately set timescales falling to 76.92% against a target of 95% means residents are experiencing longer waits for their concerns to be addressed. Similarly, a drop in Percentage of homelessness cases prevented at the initial stage to 46.67% against a target of 50% indicates that more individuals and families may be facing the crisis of homelessness. This has a profound impact on vulnerable individuals and families, affecting their stability, health, and access to essential support.
• What's Happening: These underperforming metrics highlight a need for the council to review its processes and resource allocation to ensure timely and effective service delivery, particularly for those most in need.

You can find more details about the Q4 performance report in the Performance Monitoring Panel meeting documents.

This week in South Holland:

Boosting Tourism: Council Eyes Growth in Visitor Economy

South Holland District Council is set to strategically boost its visitor economy with a new plan aiming to attract more tourists and generate economic benefits for the region. The Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel met on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to discuss the South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan (DMP) for 2026-2030.

• The Stakes: This plan is crucial for the economic health of South Holland. A thriving visitor economy means more jobs, support for local businesses, and investment in our towns and attractions. For residents, it can lead to improved local amenities and a more vibrant community. The plan specifically highlights opportunities for growth in food, agritourism, waterways, and heritage experiences, which could bring significant benefits to areas like Spalding and Holbeach.
• What's Happening: The DMP outlines a shared vision and four key priorities: Great Places, focusing on improving public spaces and infrastructure; Quality Experiences, developing diverse tourism products; Targeted Marketing & Brand Identity, raising the region's profile; and A Confident, Connected Sector, supporting businesses and skills. These are underpinned by thematic pillars including Heritage & Culture and Food, Drink & Local Produce.
• South Holland's Potential: The plan recognises South Holland's unique assets, such as its rich heritage and potential for food-based tourism. By focusing on these strengths, the council aims to create a more confident, year-round visitor experience.
• Public Reaction: While no specific public reaction was detailed in the meeting notes, such plans typically involve consultation with local businesses and communities to ensure they reflect local needs and aspirations.

You can find more details about this plan in the Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel meeting documents.

Upcoming Meetings: What's on the Horizon

Here's a look at the key council meetings scheduled in the coming week:

• The Performance Monitoring Panel will meet on Tuesday 26 May 2026 to review council performance, including updates on the Castle Sports Swimming Pool pump, the Q4 performance report, and housing complaints.
• The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to discuss the new Joint Local Plan for Boston and South Holland, and receive an update on heritage documents for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding.
• The Policy Development Panel will meet on Tuesday 02 June 2026 to consider the final report on derelict and untidy sites, review HR policies, and discuss strategy development in light of Local Government Reorganisation.

This week in South Holland:

Council Gears Up for Major Planning Overhaul and Heritage Preservation

South Holland District Council is set to embark on a significant update to its planning framework, aiming to shape the future development of the district over the next decade. Alongside this, efforts are underway to preserve and enhance the rich heritage of Spalding, Holbeach, and Boston.

Joint Local Plan: A New Era for Development

The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, to kickstart the process of creating a new Joint Local Plan for both Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council. This ambitious undertaking is being driven by new regulations under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, which mandates a compressed 30-month timeline for plan production.

• The Stakes: This new plan will dictate where new homes, businesses, and infrastructure can be built across South Holland for years to come. For residents, it means understanding how their local areas will evolve and ensuring that development is sustainable, meets community needs, and protects the environment. For vulnerable groups, it's about ensuring access to affordable housing and essential services, and that new developments consider their specific needs.
• What's Happening: The committee is endorsing the commencement of work on this crucial plan, which will replace existing local plans. The focus will be on accommodating future growth sustainably. A Project Initiation Document (PID) has been prepared, outlining the governance, resources, timetable, and evidence needed for this complex process.
• Key Changes: The new regulations introduce demanding timetables, requiring councils to notify the government of their intention to commence the Local Plan by the end of December 2026. The committee was asked to note these changes and the proposed framework for the councils' work programme.

You can find more details about this initiative in the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee meeting documents.

Preserving Our Past: Heritage Documents Progress

The same committee also received an update on the progress of several vital heritage documents. These include the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding, the Spalding Heritage Strategy, and the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee (SELCP) Design Guide.

• The Stakes: These documents are crucial for protecting the unique character and historical significance of our towns. For residents, it means ensuring that new developments respect and enhance the existing heritage, contributing to a sense of place and community identity. For businesses and tourism, it means preserving assets that attract visitors and support the local economy.
• What's Happening: The final versions of the Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding are being presented. These plans include recommendations for boundary changes to ensure conservation areas accurately reflect their special architectural and historic interest. The Spalding Heritage Strategy outlines high-level themes and priorities for the town's heritage over the next decade, with a detailed Action Plan for Transformative Change. The SELCP Traditional Building Design Guide offers guidance for new designs that complement the historic environment.
• Public Reaction: These documents have undergone public consultation, and feedback has been incorporated into the final versions.

You can find more details about these heritage initiatives in the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee meeting documents.

Other Matters

Performance Monitoring: A Mixed Picture for Council Services

The Performance Monitoring Panel met on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, to review the council's performance for the final quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. While a significant majority of performance metrics are on track, some areas require attention.

• The Stakes: These reports are essential for understanding how effectively the council is delivering services to residents. Underperformance can mean longer waits for essential services and a less responsive council. For vulnerable residents, timely access to services like housing support is critical.
• Key Findings: The Q4 report indicated that 87% of performance metrics were meeting or exceeding targets. However, areas for improvement include the Percentage of corporate complaints responded to within corporately set timescales, which has fallen slightly to 76.92% against a target of 95%. Additionally, the Percentage of homelessness cases that were opened at homelessness prevention stage that resulted in the customer not becoming homeless has fallen to 46.67% against a target of 50%.
• Housing Complaints: The Housing Landlord Service reported a decrease in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 complaints compared to the previous year, with most responded to within target timescales. However, a self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code identified seven areas for further improvement, including staff training and clearer tenant information.
• Garden Waste Collections: The garden waste collection service generally performed well, with 99.78% of collections made on schedule. An issue with the software used to manage collection rounds was identified and has since been resolved.

You can find more details about these performance discussions in the Performance Monitoring Panel meeting documents.

Destination Management Plan: Boosting Tourism Across the Region

The Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel met on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to discuss the South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan (DMP) and its associated Action Plan for 2026-2030. This plan aims to boost the visitor economy across Boston, East Lindsey, and South Holland.

• The Stakes: A thriving visitor economy supports local jobs, businesses, and cultural assets. For South Holland, the plan highlights potential growth in food, agritourism, waterways, heritage, and market town experiences. This can bring economic benefits to communities and improve local amenities.
• Key Priorities: The DMP sets out four strategic priorities: Great Places, Quality Experiences, Targeted Marketing and Brand Identity, and a Confident, Connected Sector. These are supported by thematic pillars including Heritage and Culture, and Food, Drink and Local Produce.
• South Holland's Role: The plan specifically notes South Holland's potential for growth in food and heritage tourism, with initiatives aimed at improving market town vitality and developing food-based experiences.

You can find more details about this plan in the Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel meeting documents.

This week in South Holland:

Housing Policies Under Review: Damp, Mould, and Anti-Social Behaviour Get a Makeover

The Policy Development Panel met on Tuesday, April 21st, to discuss crucial updates to policies affecting residents' homes and community safety. Key among these were revised approaches to damp, condensation, and mould in housing, alongside a new policy to tackle anti-social behaviour and hate crime within the council's housing service.

Tackling Damp and Mould: A Tenant-Centred Approach

The council is updating its Damp, Condensation and Mould (DCM) Policy for Housing (HRA) to reflect legislative changes following Awaab's Law. This means more robust measures to ensure tenants' homes are safe and healthy. The revised policy directly addresses tenant feedback gathered through focus groups and the Tenant Influence Panel.

• What this means for you: Expect clearer communication from the council about damp and mould issues, faster response times for reported problems, and more transparency on how the council is performing. The policy also includes tailored advice for managing condensation and a commitment to follow up on recurring issues within six months.
• Why it matters: For residents, especially those with respiratory conditions or young children, damp and mould can pose serious health risks. This updated policy aims to ensure landlords take their responsibilities seriously and that tenants have a clearer voice in addressing these issues.

You can find more details about the revised Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy in the Policy Development Panel meeting documents.

New Policy to Combat Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime

A new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service is being introduced to provide a clearer and more consistent response to these issues. This policy is a direct response to strengthened regulations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and incorporates tenant feedback.

• What this means for you: The policy promises a victim-centred approach, with defined timescales for managing cases and improved reporting routes. This should lead to more effective and timely interventions when ASB or hate incidents affect council tenants.
• Why it matters: For residents experiencing or witnessing anti-social behaviour or hate crime, this policy aims to provide reassurance that the council is taking these issues seriously and has a structured approach to address them, creating safer communities for everyone.

More information on this new policy can be found in the Policy Development Panel meeting reports.

Separating Graffiti and Street Art Policies

The council is also proposing to separate the existing combined Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy. This move aims to provide clearer governance for illegal graffiti, which is handled under existing enforcement policies, and for authorised street art, which will have its own distinct framework for applications and approvals. The Community Leadership Team will oversee the new Street Art Management Policy.

Other Matters

• Debt Write Off Policy Review: The Policy Development Panel reviewed the council's Debt Write Off Policy, last adopted in 2017. A recent Cabinet decision increased the delegation limit for the Section 151 Officer to £5,000, acknowledging that the previous £1,050 limit was low compared to other councils. The policy itself is not for public release due to its sensitive nature.
• Health and Safety Policy Updates: Proposed amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy were reviewed to ensure it remains compliant and reflects current best practices, particularly in alignment with the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.
• Derelict and Untidy Sites: The final report of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group was reviewed. The group concluded that the current policy was largely duplicative and recommended replacing it with a concise guidance document.