The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 13 July 2026, discussing a range of planning applications and traffic regulation matters. Key decisions included granting conditional planning permission for a satellite feedstock storage facility near Swinderby, approving several traffic regulation orders for proposed waiting restrictions and Puffin crossings in various locations, and recommending the introduction of new speed limits in East Keal and Grayingham. The committee also noted a report on the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 for future committee operations.

Future Biogas Ltd Satellite Feedstock Storage Facility, Swinderby

The committee granted conditional planning permission for Future Biogas Ltd to construct a satellite feedstock storage clamp site facility off Wood Lane, Swinderby. The decision was made subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 planning obligation to secure off-site habitat creation and management, and a routing agreement to direct all traffic associated with the development via the A46/Wood Lane junction.

Concerns were raised by local residents and parish councils regarding increased HGV traffic, the suitability of Wood Lane for heavy vehicles, and potential impacts on highway safety at the A46 junction. However, National Highways and the Local Highway Authority raised no objections, stating that the proposed development would not have a substantial impact on the strategic road network. The applicant's agent, Christian Smith, highlighted the proposal's sustainability benefits, including minimising transport distances and maximising vehicle backhauling, as well as economic advantages for local farmers.

During the debate, councillors discussed the logistics of vehicle movements, the use of specialised trailers for transporting both feedstock and digestate, and the potential for odour and noise. The committee ultimately voted in favour of granting permission, with an amendment to include a security fence around the surface water lagoon and a restriction on right-turn movements off the northbound A46 traffic, to be secured via a Section 106 agreement.

Traffic Regulation Orders and Speed Limits

A series of traffic-related items were discussed and decided upon:

• Bourne, Galletly Close - Proposed Waiting Restrictions: The committee recommended approval of proposed 24-hour waiting restrictions at the junction of Galletly Close and North Road to improve visibility and access. Objections regarding parking displacement were noted but overruled, with officers concluding the restrictions would be limited to the most problematic areas.
• Branston, Lincoln Road - Proposed Puffin Crossing Facility: The committee recommended approval for a Puffin crossing facility on Lincoln Road, Branston. Surveys indicated that while a pedestrian refuge was justified, the carriageway width was insufficient. Due to high traffic flow, a Puffin crossing was deemed more appropriate than a zebra crossing. Councillor Ian Carrington, the local divisional 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 approving consultation for a mandatory 20mph speed limit on a sharp bend on the A16 at East Keal, following several serious collisions involving HGVs. Councillor Philip Roberts, the local divisional councillor, supported the proposal, noting that making the advisory 20mph limit mandatory would allow for enforcement. Concerns were raised about enforcement and the potential inconvenience to other road users, but the committee ultimately recommended proceeding with consultation.
• Grayingham, B1398 and B1205 Crossroads - Proposed 50mph Speed Limit: The committee recommended approving consultation for a 50mph speed limit on the approaches to the Grayingham crossroads. Despite not meeting the policy criteria for a speed limit reduction, it was considered as part of a package of measures to reduce accidents, following six collisions in five years, including one fatality. Councillor Chris Reeve, the local divisional councillor, spoke in support, emphasising the junction's hazardous nature.
• Scopwick, B1188 - Proposed 40mph Speed Limits: The committee recommended approving the proposed 40mph speed limits on the B1188 in Scopwick. Further surveys confirmed mean speeds supporting a 40mph limit, despite objections from residents and the Parish Council requesting a 30mph limit. Councillor Rob Kendrick, the local divisional councillor, supported the 40mph limit as an improvement, while acknowledging the preference for 30mph.
• Sleaford, Grantham Road - Proposed Puffin Crossing Facility and Changes to Waiting Restrictions: The committee recommended approving a Puffin crossing facility and associated waiting restrictions on Grantham Road, Sleaford. While acknowledging concerns about the loss of four parking spaces, the benefits of improved pedestrian safety and connectivity were deemed to outweigh these. Councillor Stephen Clegg, the local divisional councillor, supported the scheme, highlighting its importance for pedestrian safety and connectivity. Councillor Sal Whittaker, also a divisional councillor for Sleaford, raised questions about the crossing's location and the feasibility of alternatives.
• Spalding, Exeter Drive - Proposed Waiting Restrictions: The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions at the junction of Exeter Drive and Halmergate to address parking issues related to school drop-off and pick-up times. While one objection suggested the restrictions were insufficient, officers concluded they would be sufficient to address the main issues without causing excessive displacement. Councillor Gary Taylor, the local divisional councillor, spoke in support, emphasising the need for safety at the busy junction.
• Woodhall Spa, Witham Road - Proposed Revocation of No Waiting at Any Time: The committee recommended approving the revocation of some waiting restrictions on the northern side of Witham Road, Woodhall Spa. The restrictions, introduced in 2025, had improved traffic flow but had negatively impacted residents and businesses. Monitoring indicated that revoking a section would retain traffic flow benefits while restoring parking.

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 Implications

The committee received a report summarising the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 for Lincolnshire County Council's Planning and Regulation Committee. The Act introduces a national scheme of delegation, meaning more planning decisions will be made by officers, with committees focusing on more significant or contentious cases. It also mandates a maximum committee size of 13 members and requires mandatory training for all planning committee members. The committee noted the report and endorsed the proposed next steps, which include constitutional updates, operational planning, and continued rollout of mandatory training. Councillor Martin Hill OBE and Councillor James Bean expressed support for the proposed next steps, emphasizing the need for efficient use of committee time and clear communication of officer decisions.