The Lincolnshire Council Executive met to discuss long-term coastal flood resilience, updates to the local enforcement plan, and appointments to outside bodies. The Executive approved a financial contribution of up to £0.995m towards the first stage of a business case for investment in long term coastal flood resilience and economic sustainability, supported the Environment Agency’s beach nourishment programme, and agreed to the council's role as lead partner on the Lincs Coast 2100+ Partnership. Councillors also approved the updated Local Enforcement Plan and made amendments to appointments to outside bodies.

Lincs Coast 2100+ Programme

The Executive agreed to contribute up to £0.995m towards the first stage of a business case for long-term coastal flood resilience and economic sustainability, and to support the Environment Agency’s (EA) beach nourishment and maintenance programme (2027 – 2039). They also agreed that the council would be the lead partner on the Lincs Coast 2100+ Partnership. The Lincs Coast 2100+ Partnership comprises the main Risk Management Authorities (RMA) for the coast, including the County Council, the EA, Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board, and East Lindsey District Council.

The decision was made in light of the EA's assessment that the existing sea defences on the Lincolnshire coast, specifically between Skegness and Mablethorpe, are likely to become ineffective from 2040. The report noted that without the current defences, significant areas along the Lincolnshire coast would be flooded by at least half of the high tides each year, extending up to 15 km inland and impacting over 20,000 homes, 35,000 hectares of agricultural land and 29,000 caravans.

The report stated that radical solutions are required, the cost of which will outstrip Defra budgets and will require cross-departmental government support.

The Executive Director - Place was delegated authority to agree partner contributions to the identified costs and to undertake the necessary actions to reach Gate Zero – Strategic Assessment of the programme. The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director – Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, were delegated authority to take the funding reprioritisation decisions necessary to progress the work. Reports will be submitted to the Environment Scrutiny Committee every three months to monitor and review progress.

The report outlined the need for a place-based approach to measures after 2040, as the beach nourishment programme will no longer extend the life of the hard defences. The impact of flooding on the East Coast is considered a national risk, with potential impact on agricultural land, food production, food security and energy security.

Adoption of Updated Local Enforcement Plan

The Executive approved the updated Local Enforcement Plan and the Planning Guide to Enforcement document. The updated plan reflects changes to national policy, amended timescales for enforcement action, new enforcement notices, and the new provision of mandatory biodiversity net gain¹ and its monitoring requirements.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), paragraph 60, details that planning authorities should consider publishing a local enforcement plan to manage enforcement proactively.

The updated plan outlines the steps that will be taken following the receipt of an alleged breach of planning control. The Planning Guide to Enforcement is a summary of the Local Enforcement Plan intended to be shared with complainants.

The Executive Director - Place, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, was delegated authority to make any necessary amendments to the plan and guide.

The report noted that a 'do nothing' approach could result in complaints that the council is not following approved methods for investigating and enforcing breaches of planning control, and reputational risks in terms of not appearing to keep up to date with key legislative changes.

The report also noted that the Environment Scrutiny Committee supported the recommendations to the Executive.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The Executive approved amendments to representatives of outside bodies. Councillor S French will replace Councillor B Daish on the Boston Town Deal, Councillor A McGonigle will replace Councillor P Lock on the East Midlands Council – Strategic Migration Board, and Councillor D Brookes will be added to the Skegness Neighbourhood Board.