The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 13 July 2026, approving a new feedstock storage facility near Swinderby, several traffic regulation orders across the county, and discussing upcoming changes to planning legislation. The committee also considered the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which will introduce a national scheme of delegation for planning decisions and limit committee sizes.

Future Biogas Ltd Feedstock Storage Facility, Swinderby

The committee granted conditional planning permission for Future Biogas Ltd to construct a satellite feedstock storage clamp site facility on land off Wood Lane, Swinderby. The facility will store energy crops and digestate, primarily for the company's anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in Lincolnshire. The decision was made subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 agreement to secure offsite habitat creation and management, and a routing agreement to direct all traffic associated with the development via the A46/Wood Lane junction.

During the debate, concerns were raised by councillors and the public regarding traffic movements, particularly on Wood Lane, and the potential impact on the rural environment. Councillors Overton and Hill questioned the calculation of vehicle movements and the justification for locating the facility in a rural area rather than an industrial site. Christian Smith, the applicant's planning consultant, explained the satellite hub clamp concept, designed to minimise transport distances and maximise vehicle backloading. He clarified that specialised vehicles would be used to transport both feedstock and digestate, addressing initial confusion about vehicle usage. The committee also discussed the loss of agricultural land and the benefits of digestate as a fertiliser. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, with an amendment to include a security fence around the surface water lagoon and a restriction on right-turn movements from the northbound A46 onto Wood Lane, to be secured via the Section 106 agreement.

Traffic Regulation Orders

Several traffic regulation orders were discussed and approved:

• Bourne, Galletly Close – Proposed Waiting Restrictions: The committee approved proposed 24-hour waiting restrictions on the north side of Galletly Close, near its junction with North Road. This decision aimed to improve visibility and access, despite objections from residents concerned about parking displacement. Councillor Taylor supported the recommendation, noting the inconsiderate parking that necessitated the restrictions.
• Branston, Lincoln Road – Proposed Puffin Crossing Facility: The committee recommended approval for the consideration of a Puffin crossing facility on Lincoln Road, Branston. While a pedestrian refuge was initially indicated by survey data, site constraints and high traffic flows meant a Puffin crossing was deemed the most appropriate solution. Councillor Ian Carrington, the local division councillor, spoke in support, highlighting the road's high traffic volume and the long-standing need for a safe crossing.
• East Keal A16 – Proposed 20mph Speed Limit and 30mph Speed Limit Extension: The committee recommended approval for consultation on a mandatory 20mph speed limit on a sharp bend on the A16 at East Keal, along with an extension of the existing 30mph limit. This measure is intended to address a history of serious collisions, particularly involving HGVs. Councillor Philip Roberts, the local division councillor, supported the proposal, emphasizing the danger of the bend. However, some councillors, including Councillor Bean, questioned the effectiveness and enforcement of such a low speed limit, suggesting education might be more appropriate. Ultimately, the proposal to proceed with consultation was carried.
• Grayingham, B1398 and B1205 Crossroads – Proposed 50mph Speed Limit: The committee recommended approval for consultation on a 50mph speed limit on the approaches to Grayingham crossroads. This junction has seen six collisions in five years, including one fatality, despite existing safety measures. Councillor Chris Reeve, the local division councillor, spoke in support, acknowledging that while he is not a fan of simply lowering speed limits, the situation at Grayingham crossroads left few other options. He noted that the proposal was part of a package of measures to improve safety. Councillor Hill questioned what other measures would be included in the package, and Stephen Batchelor, from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, explained that a series of escalating interventions had been implemented over time.
• Scopwick, B1188 – Proposed 40mph Speed Limits: The committee recommended approval for a 40mph speed limit on the B1188 in Scopwick. This decision followed a previous deferral to gather further information. While local residents and the Parish Council had requested a 30mph limit, the latest speed survey data supported a 40mph limit in line with the council's policy. Councillor Rob Kendrick, the local division councillor, acknowledged the parish council's preference for a 30mph limit but supported the 40mph proposal as an improvement. Councillor Hill spoke in favour of the 40mph limit, suggesting it would be more compliant than a 30mph limit and that the situation could be reviewed in the future.
• Sleaford, Grantham Road – Proposed Puffin Crossing Facility and Changes to Waiting Restrictions: The committee recommended approval for a Puffin crossing facility and associated waiting restrictions on Grantham Road, Sleaford. The crossing, funded by a developer, aims to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity between the town centre and new housing developments. Councillor Stephen Clegg, the local division councillor, supported the scheme, highlighting its importance for pedestrian safety and accessibility. Councillor Ian Carrington, the other divisional councillor for Sleaford, raised questions about the chosen location of the crossing and its proximity to the level crossing, but ultimately supported the proposal.
• Spalding, Exeter Drive – Proposed Waiting Restrictions: The committee approved proposed waiting restrictions at the junction of Exeter Drive and Halmergate in Spalding. These restrictions aim to address parking issues related to school drop-off and pick-up times, although they are limited to the junction to minimise displacement. Councillor Gary Taylor, the local division councillor, spoke in favour, emphasizing the need to improve safety at the busy junction.
• Woodhall Spa, Witham Road – Proposed Revocation of No Waiting at Any Time: The committee recommended approval for the revocation of a section of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on the northern side of Witham Road, Woodhall Spa. The original restrictions, introduced in 2025, had improved traffic flow but caused significant parking issues for residents and businesses. Councillor Martin Hill OBE, who proposed the revocation, expressed pleasure that the council was proactively reviewing restrictions to help motorists.

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 Implications

The committee received a report detailing the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 for the Planning and Regulation Committee. Nicola Calver, Member Services Manager, explained that the Act aims to speed up planning decisions and introduce greater consistency. Key changes include a national scheme of delegation, which will mean more decisions are made by officers, with committees focusing on more significant or contentious applications. The Act also introduces mandatory training for committee members and a maximum committee size of 13. Councillor Hill expressed concern about the officer wins aspect of the referral process where an officer and elected member disagree, but acknowledged the need for efficient decision-making. The committee endorsed the proposed next steps, including constitutional updates and operational planning.