Boston Borough Council's Planning Committee approved three applications for battery energy storage systems and deferred a decision on a housing development. The committee also decided not to make a Tree Preservation Order for two trees in a conservation area.

Battery Energy Storage Systems Approved

The committee considered three applications for battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the Bicka Fen area, all of which were recommended for approval by officers and subsequently approved by the committee.

B240415 - Battery Energy Storage System, Bicka Fen

This application for a battery energy storage system, associated infrastructure, and biodiversity net gain (BNG) improvements was approved subject to conditions. The site is located to the west of the Bicka Fen substation. Concerns raised by third parties and the parish council included the cumulative impact of multiple BESS developments, construction traffic, and health and safety. Officers confirmed that the local planning authority had no objections to the cumulative impact of all three BESS applications. The Highways Authority also stated there would be no cumulative impact on the highway network. The applicant, FRV PowerTech, highlighted that the scheme would contribute to achieving net zero targets and a clean power grid. The development is for a temporary period of 40 years, after which the site will be restored.

B240363 - Battery Energy Storage System, Bicka Fen

This application for another battery energy storage system, located south-east of the substation, was also approved with conditions. Objections were raised by third parties and the parish council, primarily concerning construction traffic. The applicant, AGR Renewables, stated that construction traffic would be routed via private haul roads to avoid impacting the village of Bicka. The scheme was noted to have minimal impact on the local community and surroundings, with no objections from statutory consultees. The landowner, Mr. John Baxter, spoke in support, highlighting the project's importance for his agricultural business and the region's energy needs, and its contribution to biodiversity.

B240374 - Energy Storage System, Bicka Fen

The third BESS application, located to the north-east of the Bicka Fen substation, was approved subject to conditions. This application also received two third-party objections. A key point of discussion was the construction route, with Highways initially objecting. However, amendments to conditions were proposed to require a new construction route to be submitted and approved prior to development commencement. The applicant, Net Zero 2022 Limited, confirmed that the development would be temporary, with equipment being demountable and works reversible, and the site would be fully restored at the end of its 40-year lifespan. The landowner, Pat Bannon, spoke in support, stating the development would help secure the future of his family farm.

Waynefleet Road Housing Development Deferred

The committee deferred a decision on a full planning application for 200 homes on Waynefleet Road, Boston. The application, which follows previous outline and reserve matters approvals, aims to secure the development as mixed-tenure affordable housing. The applicant, RGMP, stated that the scheme is not financially viable if financial contributions for education and NHS services are levied, and therefore requested planning permission subject to a unilateral undertaking to secure the affordable housing delivery.

Significant concerns were raised by councillors regarding drainage, particularly the maintenance of a dike on the western boundary which is outside the application site. Councillors questioned who would be responsible for its maintenance and how properties on the other side would be protected, especially in light of potential increased surface water runoff from the development. The issue of the nine-metre easement rule for the dike, with the proposed development only allowing for a five-metre access, was also a point of contention.

Further concerns were raised about the standard of the proposed roads within the development, with the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service reportedly requesting a higher standard than what was proposed. The lack of Section 106 contributions towards education and NHS services due to viability issues was also debated, with some councillors feeling that the burden would fall on existing residents.

Councillor Peter Bedford moved for deferral, citing the need to resolve issues regarding the nine-metre easement rule, dike ownership, road standards, and the overall fit of the development with the surrounding area. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe seconded the deferral.

No Tree Preservation Order for Swineshead Trees

The committee decided not to make a Tree Preservation Order for two trees within the Swineshead conservation area, located at West Home, Church Lane, Swineshead. The application was a notification under Section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act for works to trees within a conservation area.

The first tree, a pine on the eastern boundary, is proposed for general maintenance, including removing deadwood and ivy, and thinning the canopy by approximately 30%. The second tree, a lime tree in the rear garden, requires more significant works, including the removal of ivy and growth at the base. In both cases, officers concluded that the proposed works would not result in harm that is significantly impactful on the public amenity value of the trees, and therefore a Tree Preservation Order was not warranted.

Attendees

• Councillor David Middleton, Chair of the Committee
• Councillor David Scoot, Vice Chairman
• Abbie Marwood, Group Manager for Planning and Development
• Charlie Parry, Senior Planning Officer
• Lisa Davies, Senior Legal Advisor
• Phil Norman, Assistant Director for Planning
• Megan Epton, Planning Officer
• Councillor Peter Bedford
• Councillor Alison Austin
• Councillor Dale Broughton (Leader)
• Councillor James Cantwell (Deputy Mayor)
• Councillor Anton Dani
• Councillor Lina Savickiene
• Councillor Anne Dorrian
• Councillor Claire Rylott (Portfolio Holder - Green Spaces and Travel)
• Councillor Sarah Sharpe (Portfolio Holder - Heritage, Culture and Tourism)
• Councillor Suzanne Welberry
• Councillor Stephen Woodliffe
• Councillor Stuart Evans
• Lewis Humphreys, representing AGR Renewables
• John Hill, Senior Planning Manager representing Net Zero 2022 Limited
• Chris Lindley, chartered town planner and agent for the applicant
• Karen Rist, agent for FRV PowerTech
• Julie Barrow, Associate Director at Stantec, planning consultant for FRV PowerTech
• John Baxter, landowner
• Pat Bannon, co-owner of the farm