The Planning Committee of South Holland Council met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to discuss a range of planning applications and related matters. Key items on the agenda included a significant proposal for 57 affordable dwellings in Holbeach, a change of use application for a former church to a day nursery in Spalding, and a request to modify conditions on an existing garden centre. The committee also received a briefing on Anglian Water protocols and an update on recent planning appeal decisions.

Development of 57 Affordable Dwellings in Holbeach

The committee was scheduled to consider a full application for the development of 57 affordable dwellings, along with associated access, open space, and drainage, at Land South of Wignals Gate, Holbeach. The report pack indicated that this proposal was for an entirely affordable housing scheme, comprising a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom dwellings. The site is designated as a 'Reserve Site' within the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan, and the report pack detailed discussions regarding whether the trigger point for releasing such sites had been met. Concerns were raised by a local ward member, Councillor S E Hutchinson, and the local MP, Sir John Hayes, regarding the release of a reserve site, housing mix, amenity impacts, design, and the site's suitability in relation to flood risk. The report also noted that the proposal was considered unable to viably support Section 106 contributions due to its 100% affordable housing nature.

Change of Use to Day Nursery in Spalding

A full application was scheduled for discussion regarding a change of use from a former church (Class F1) to a day nursery (Class E) at 10 Haverfield Road, Spalding. The proposal involved no external works to the building, which is located within the Spalding Conservation Area. The report pack noted that while some public representations raised concerns about the need for another nursery and potential traffic issues, the applicant was not required to demonstrate a need for additional childcare places. The site's location within a sustainable area and the potential for parents and staff to walk or cycle were highlighted.

Modification of Conditions at Silverwood Garden Centre

The committee was set to consider a Section 73A continuation application concerning Silverwood Garden Centre, St James Road, Sutton Crosses. This application sought to modify conditions related to opening hours and the range of goods sold. Specifically, it aimed to amend Condition 2 to adjust the opening hours for the 'Long Sutton Youth Shed' and 'Long Sutton Men's Shed' buildings, and to modify Condition 3 to allow the retained garden centre buildings to be used more broadly under Use Class E, beyond the sale of horticultural produce and related items. The report pack indicated that the proposed changes to the opening hours for the community buildings would result in more restrictive hours than previously approved, and that the proposed hours for the garden centre were considered acceptable and, in some respects, less extensive than previously permitted. Concerns were raised by Long Sutton Parish Council and a member of the public regarding the potential impact on the retail hierarchy and town centres.

Tractor Storage Shed in Holbeach

A full application was scheduled for the demolition of an existing domestic bungalow and garages at Park Bungalow, Park Road, Holbeach, and the erection of a tractor storage shed. This shed is intended for use by Holbeach Parish Council for maintaining Carter's Park and other areas of Holbeach. The proposed building is described as utilitarian, constructed of metal sheeting, and would be lower in height than the existing bungalow. The report pack noted that the site is adjacent to the Holbeach Conservation Area, but visibility from the conservation area would be limited due to existing built form. The site is located within Flood Zone 3, and the report indicated that the exceptions test for flood risk was considered to be passed due to the functional necessity of the site and the community benefits of maintaining local facilities.

Information Boards for Sculptures in Spalding

Two advertisement applications were listed for discussion, both submitted by the Spalding & District Civic Society. The first, at Pavement Adj. 5 New Road, Spalding, proposed an information board relating to existing cattle sculptures. The board, to be made of stainless steel, would be located on an existing planter. The second application, at Pavement Adj. 1 Sheep Market, Spalding, proposed a similar information board relating to sheep sculptures, to be located on an existing finger post. Both applications were situated within the Spalding Conservation Area and in close proximity to listed buildings. The Conservation Officer supported both proposals, offering suggestions for wording and orientation to enhance clarity and integration.

Briefing Note on Anglian Water Protocols

A briefing note was scheduled to provide members with an overview of the implications of water infrastructure issues on planning decisions. The report detailed Anglian Water's position that a lack of network capacity is a material planning consideration, and their increasing tendency to request pre-occupation conditions or object to applications where capacity is deemed insufficient. The briefing outlined the legal framework regarding developers' rights to connect to the sewerage network and the council's perspective on the use of conditions, particularly 'Grampian' conditions, emphasizing the need for evidence-based objections and a balanced approach. The note also highlighted a recent update from Anglian Water regarding a revised methodology for assessing Water Recycling Centre capacity, which has resulted in fewer objections.

Planning Appeals Update

The committee was to receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions. The report indicated that since the previous update, four appeals had been dismissed and two allowed. The overall success rate for the council in planning appeals since April 2017 was noted as 74.48%.