The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to discuss the future of local planning and heritage within the region. Key topics included the commencement of a new Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council, and an update on progress regarding heritage documents for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding.

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

The committee was scheduled to discuss the commencement of work on a new Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council. This plan will be developed under the new plan-making regulations introduced by the Government, following the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. The report highlighted the demanding new timetables for plan production, requiring notification to the Government of the intention to commence the Local Plan by the end of December 2026. A Project Initiation Document (PID) was presented, outlining the proposed governance structure, resources, timetable, and evidence requirements for the new Local Plan. The report recommended endorsing the commencement of work on this new Joint Local Plan, noting the Government's principal changes to the local plan-making system and the progress made in preparation. It also recommended noting the proposed governance structure and endorsing 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. The report emphasised that having an up-to-date local plan is a legal requirement to avoid unregulated development and planning-by-appeal.

Update on Heritage Documents

An update was provided on the progress of several heritage documents: the Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans, the Spalding Heritage Strategy, and the South East Lincolnshire Council Partnership (SELCP) Design Guide. The final versions of the Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding were presented. These documents recommend boundary changes to ensure the Conservation Areas are of special architectural and historic interest. All three documents have undergone public consultation, and comments received have been incorporated into the final versions. The SELCP Traditional Building Design Guide, a non-statutory document, was also presented. This guide aims to encourage thoughtful design when dealing with the historic environment and can be used to show the councils' intent and provide direction. Finally, the Spalding Heritage Strategy was presented, outlining high-level themes and priorities for Spalding's heritage over the next 10 years, with practical ways to achieve these goals detailed in an Action Plan for Transformative Change. These documents aim to create an environment for local people to be proud of, with an improved high street, spaces for wellbeing, and opportunities to connect with nature and each other. The recommendations were for the committee to note these documents and provide comments, recognising the need to assess and make changes to historic areas to ensure they retain their special interest. These documents are intended to support and inform future planning decisions and can be used as evidence in future Local Plan reviews, aligning with statutory duties to preserve and enhance conservation areas.

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