The Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 23 October 2026 to discuss the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme, water resource management, and the updated National Planning Policy Framework. The committee noted progress on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme, considered an integrated water action plan for the county, and reviewed the implications of the revised National Planning Policy Framework.

Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme Update

The committee received an update on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme, which is addressing the significant challenge posed by ageing coastal defences, expected to become ineffective by 2040. The programme, a partnership between Lincolnshire County Council, the Environment Agency, East Lindsey District Council, and Lindsey Marsh Internal Drainage Board, is developing a robust, evidence-led case for the long-term future of the Lincolnshire coast. This involves assessing the implications for people, place, and investment, and exploring four contrasting coastal investment futures to inform a 'Statement of Intent'. The residual life assessment report, included as an appendix, highlights that the presence of the beach is vital for maintaining the condition of the defences, extending their average residual life from 6-10 years to 16-20 years. Councillor Ashley John Baxter raised concerns about the impact of climate change and the cost-benefit ratio of proposed interventions, while Councillor Ian Carrington expressed strong reservations about the potential for land abandonment to the sea and the role of the Environment Agency. Councillor Robbie Woods questioned the focus on the open coast and the exclusion of South Holland from the current discussions, while Councillor Stephen Bunney sought clarity on whether protecting the land included current land use. The committee acknowledged the progress made and noted the proposed pathway for the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) Gateway 0 into a Strategic Outline Case at Gateway 1.

Water Resources Management – A Lincolnshire Perspective

The committee considered the challenges and opportunities in water resource management across Lincolnshire. Chris Miller, Head of Environment, presented a report highlighting the region's significant water-related challenges, including limited availability, declining water quality, and increased flood risk, compounded by competing demands from public supply, business, agriculture, and the environment. Anglian Water's Water Resource Management Plan projects a regional deficit of 593 megalitres per day by 2050, with strategies including leakage reduction, smart metering, reservoir development, and desalination technology. The report also detailed national and regional actions proposed to support agricultural water storage, such as reforming abstraction licensing, supporting farm reservoirs in planning policy, and exploring smart technologies. Councillor Stephen Bunney welcomed the focus on agricultural storage and the need for reservoirs linked to new housing developments. Councillor Raymond John Whitaker questioned how the new planning framework would prevent housing locations with insufficient water supply, drainage, or wastewater capacity. Councillor Christopher John Reeve sought clarification on the water requirements of data centres, while Councillor Ian Carrington expressed concerns about the ambition of water efficiency targets and the challenges of foul water capacity. Councillor Robbie Woods questioned the adequacy and delivery speed of Anglian Water's plan to combat the projected deficit. The committee noted the approach to produce an integrated water action plan for Lincolnshire and requested further reports.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Update

Catherine Eales, Principal Planning Officer for Infrastructure, presented an update on the newly published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which came into effect on 17 August 2026. The revised NPPF features a significantly different structure, with a stronger presumption in favour of development to support the government's house-building aims. It also includes new policies on development outside settlements, with specific provisions for development near railway stations, and a greater emphasis on minerals and waste plans. Councillor Ashley John Baxter declared an interest as a member of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, noting the impact of the new framework on local plans. Councillor Ian Carrington voiced concerns that the NPPF's focus on quantity over quality could lead to substandard development and a reduction in local decision-making power, particularly in rural areas. Councillor Raymond John Whitaker raised issues regarding the strain on local infrastructure, such as doctor's surgeries, due to new housing developments. Councillor Cain Parkinson highlighted concerns about developers exploiting Section 106 agreements to minimise contributions towards infrastructure. Councillor Christopher John Reeve questioned the percentage of applications likely to be affected by the changes and the council's policy on taking decisions to committee. The committee noted the report and agreed to use and refer to the August 2026 version of the NPPF in their roles.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Hunter, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. Updates were noted for the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme in January, water resource management in mid-2027, and the addition of the County Council Environmental Adaptation Plan to the March agenda. The item on solar PV panels was deferred and will be broadened to cover wider energy efficiency opportunities within the council's estate, with future reports likely to go to the Operations, Strategy and Management Board. The committee noted the work programme for 2026-27, subject to consideration of points raised during the meeting.