Boston Borough Council's Planning Committee met on Tuesday 14 January 2025 to discuss two planning applications. The committee approved an application for a two-storey side extension and garage conversion at a property owned by Councillor Butler. However, a significant application for outline industrial units on agricultural land near Sutterton was refused.

Planning Application B240407: Two-Storey Side Extension and Garage Conversion

The committee approved an application for a two-storey side extension and the conversion of an existing garage into a home office. The application was presented at committee due to the applicant being Councillor Butler, the board member for the area. No speakers were present for this item, and Councillor Peter Bedford moved for approval, stating, There's no need. The only reason it's here is because of the elected members. The application was subsequently approved.

Planning Application B240060: Outline Erection of Industrial Units

A contentious application for the outline erection of industrial units with a mix of B2 (general industrial), B8 (storage and distribution), and EG (light industrial or office) uses on land adjacent to Station Road, Sutterton, was refused by the committee. The site is currently agricultural land and is not allocated for employment use.

Arguments for the application centred on the potential for economic benefits and a perceived shortfall in employment land, partly attributed to the Boston Alternative Energy Facility. The applicant's agent, Mr. Lewis Smith, highlighted that the revised scheme was smaller than the original submission and that technical consultees had no objections, subject to conditions. He also noted that the applicant, a local businessman, had a track record of developing industrial units in the area.

Arguments against the application were strongly voiced by local residents, the Parish Council, and Councillor James Cantwell, who had called the application to committee. Key concerns included the development's location in the open countryside on prime agricultural land, potential negative impacts on highway safety due to the proximity of the A16/A17 roundabout and Station Road's existing traffic issues, and the risk of noise and pollution affecting nearby dwellings. Objectors also questioned the demonstrated need for such speculative development, pointing to existing available employment sites. The presence of a high-pressure gas main crossing the site, with Cadent Gas maintaining an objection, was also a significant concern, raising potential safety issues. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe expressed concern about setting a dangerous precedent for development in the open countryside, and Councillor Anne Dorrian highlighted that the committee had previously refused a similar application on grounds of urbanising rural character, a decision upheld by an inspector.

Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application on grounds of non-compliance with Policy 1 (development in the open countryside) and Policy 7 (employment sites), citing the lack of demonstrated need and the impact on the countryside.

Planning Application B240476: Redevelopment of Crown House

The committee approved the redevelopment of Crown House off Lincoln Lane in Boston, a mixed-use scheme comprising retail units on the ground floor and residential apartments on the first and second floors. The development also includes parking, refuse stores, and public toilet facilities, forming part of the wider Rosegarth development. The application was submitted by Boston Borough Council itself.

The proposal was presented as a betterment of the site, with the main building designed to improve the street scene and address issues of anti-social behaviour. Mr. Bevan, the project manager, explained that the design aimed to secure the site boundary and create a more welcoming environment. The new public toilet block will feature contactless access and be reclad to match the new building, with CCTV coverage planned as part of the wider Rosegarth Square redevelopment.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe regarding the security of the public toilet facilities and the potential for anti-social behaviour. Mr. Bevan outlined measures such as contactless payment, improved internal finishes, fire alarms, lighting, and the planned CCTV coverage for the area. Councillor Barrie Pierpoint inquired about recommendations from Lincolnshire Police, and it was clarified that while police had made recommendations, they did not object to the application. Concerns about the design and character of the building from the Boston Preservation Trust were addressed by the Conservation Officer, who supported the proposal in principle. The initial objection from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue regarding building regulations was overcome by the applicant amending the scheme to include a fire hydrant.

Councillor Claire Rylott, as the town centre portfolio holder, expressed strong support for the application, believing it would be a welcoming site for residents and visitors. The question of asbestos in the existing building was raised, but it was confirmed that the demolition of the current building had been dealt with under a separate prior approval application and was not part of this construction application. The committee subsequently voted to approve the application.