The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 15 June 2026, approving changes to the operating hours of Skellington Quarry and a series of traffic regulation orders across the county. The committee also discussed and resolved to withdraw one proposed waiting restriction order due to outdated information.

Skillington Quarry Hours of Operation

The committee approved a variation to the planning permission for Skillington Quarry, allowing for amended hours of operation. The quarry will now be permitted to operate from 7am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays, and from 7am to 1pm on Saturdays. This change, sought by Heritage Quarry Group (North) Limited, aims to regularise working hours in line with competitors and meet market demand, particularly for supplying raw materials to construction projects at the start of the working day.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Charlotte Vernon and Councillor Martin Hill OBE regarding the 7am start time, particularly its potential impact on noise levels in nearby villages, including Colsterworth. Councillor Vernon proposed an amendment to start operations at 8am on Saturdays, but this was not seconded. Despite objections from Colsterworth and District Parish Council and local residents citing concerns about residential amenity, noise, traffic, and cumulative impacts, the committee ultimately voted to approve the officer's recommendation. The decision was based on the assessment that the extended hours would not result in new or materially significant environmental effects, and that statutory consultees, including the Highway Authority and Environmental Health Officer, had raised no objections. The Planning Practice Guidance¹ recognises 7am to 7pm as normal working hours for mineral operations.

Traffic Regulation Orders

The committee considered and approved several proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) across the county:

• Boston, Cherry Walk – Proposed revocation of waiting restrictions: The committee recommended approving the revocation of no waiting at any time restrictions on Cherry Walk in Boston. This decision aims to provide additional parking for residents, with officers concluding that the removal would not cause visibility issues. An objection was received from a resident concerned about the road's narrowness and potential for visibility problems, but this was overruled.

• Coningsby, School Lane - Proposed waiting restrictions: The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions on School Lane in Coningsby. These include mandatory School Keep Clear markings during school drop-off and pick-up times and No Waiting at Any Time restrictions in front of a lay-by. The aim is to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for children accessing the school, and to ensure emergency vehicle access to the adjacent care home. Two objections were received from residents concerned about the loss of on-street parking and the prioritisation of school needs over residents, but these were overruled.

• Heckington, Church Street & St Andrews Street - Proposed waiting restrictions: The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions in Heckington. These involve extending No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on Church Street and St Andrews Street, and introducing them at the junction of Cameron Street. The aim is to improve visibility and safety for all road users by addressing obstructive parking. Four objections were received, citing concerns about current parking not causing issues and potential displacement of vehicles, but these were overruled.

• Lincoln, Yarborough - Proposed bus stop clearways: The committee recommended approving the introduction of Bus Stop Clearways on Yarborough Road in Lincoln. These will operate Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm. The proposal aims to prevent vehicles from parking in lay-bys that obstruct bus pick-up and drop-off points, thereby improving traffic flow and passenger safety. One objection was received from a resident concerned about the loss of parking for residents, particularly those in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), but this was overruled.

• Lutton, Marriots Gate - Proposed waiting restrictions: The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions on Marriots Gate in Lutton. These include mandatory School Keep Clear markings and No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at junctions near Lutton St Nicholas Primary School. The aim is to improve visibility and safety for road users, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. One objection was received, raising concerns about vehicle displacement and the school's responsibility for managing parking demand, but this was overruled.

• West Willoughby A153 – Proposed 40mph Speed Limit: The committee recommended approving the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on a section of the A153 through West Willoughby. This aims to create a consistent speed reduction between villages and aligns with the council's speed limit policy. One objection was received, arguing the reduction was unnecessary and potentially encouraging non-compliance, but this was overruled. The mean speed of traffic on this section was recorded at 43-45mph.

• Long Bennington, Various Roads - Proposed waiting restrictions: The committee resolved to withdraw the proposed waiting restrictions on various roads in Long Bennington. This decision was made following concerns raised by Councillor Vernon and Councillor Hill regarding the accuracy and currency of the evidence base for the proposal. Specifically, it was noted that a local business had relocated, potentially reducing parking demand, and that the assessment may have been carried out prior to this change. The committee requested that the proposal be brought back as two separate applications for the two distinct locations, with further clarification on the parking demand and the impact of the business relocation.