The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to discuss the preparation of a new Joint Local Plan and updates on heritage documents for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding. The meeting agenda also included the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council

The committee was scheduled to consider a report by Phil Norman, Service Director - Planning and Strategic Infrastructure, regarding the commencement of work on a new Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council. This plan is being prepared under new government regulations introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, which mandate a compressed 30-month timeframe for plan production. The report outlined the proposed governance structure, resources, timetable, and evidence requirements for this process. The recommendations included endorsing the commencement of work, noting the government's changes to the plan-making system, and approving the Project Initiation Document (PID) as the framework for the councils' work programme. The committee was also asked to endorse working towards a submission date of no later than December 2026 for the Joint Strategic Planning Committee's 'Notice of Intention' to commence its Local Plan.

Update on Heritage Documents

A report by Pranali Parikh, Executive Director – Economic Development, was scheduled to provide an update on the progress of several heritage documents. These included the final versions of the Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans. These plans recommend boundary changes to ensure the conservation areas retain their special architectural and historic interest and have undergone public consultation. The report also presented the South East Lincolnshire Council Partnership (SELCP) Traditional Building Design Guide, intended to encourage thoughtful design when dealing with the historic environment. Finally, the Spalding Heritage Strategy and its accompanying Action Plan for Transformative Change were to be presented, outlining high-level themes and priorities for Spalding's heritage over the next 10 years. The recommendations were for the committee to note these documents and provide comments, recognising the importance of assessing and making changes to historic areas to ensure they retain their special interest.

The meeting also included procedural items such as the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and the noting of apologies for absence and declarations of interest. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 24th February 2025 were also scheduled for confirmation.