The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 13 April 2026 to discuss two significant planning applications for anaerobic digestion plants and several traffic regulation orders. The committee resolved to undertake site visits for the proposed anaerobic digestion plants and approved all proposed waiting restrictions and a shared-use cycleway/footway scheme after considering objections.

Proposed Anaerobic Digestion Plants

The committee discussed two applications for the construction and operation of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants. The first, for StreamBioenergy UK Ltd, is proposed for land to the west of the Moy Park Facility and south of the A153 in Anwick. This plant would process 120,000 tonnes of poultry manure and other agricultural food waste annually to generate biomethane for the National Gas Network. The second application, for Naylor Farms, is planned for land to the east of Surfleet Bank and west of Woad Farm in Spalding. This facility would process 105,000 tonnes per annum of commercial food waste and crop residues, generating biomethane for the National Grid and CO2 for food production facilities. Both applications are considered complex and controversial, and the committee resolved to undertake site visits to assess the proposed developments in context with their surroundings, including suitability for HGV use and potential environmental impacts. Councillor James Bean raised a pertinent question about the committee's experience with operational AD plants, prompting an assurance from officers that a visit to an existing site would be included as part of the site visits to provide context on potential issues such as smell and air pollution.

Traffic Regulation Orders

Several traffic regulation orders were considered and approved by the committee.

Bourne Sandown Drive: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee approved proposed waiting restrictions on Sandown Drive in Bourne, aimed at mitigating the impact of school-related parking. The proposals include double yellow lines and part-time restrictions to improve traffic flow and visibility at junctions. Five objections were received, primarily concerning the inconvenience to residents and potential displacement of parking. However, the committee overruled these objections, stating the restrictions were the minimum necessary to ensure traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon, who lives locally, supported the proposals, noting the road's narrowness and busyness.

Bourne, Westbourne Park: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

Following a request from the local member, the committee considered proposed waiting restrictions in Westbourne Park, Bourne, near Bourne Westfield Primary Academy. The proposals include 24-hour restrictions at junctions and part-time restrictions near the school to improve visibility and safety. Six objections were received, with concerns about enforcement effectiveness, the year-round application of part-time restrictions, and the removal of existing advisory school safety markings. The committee noted these concerns but ultimately recommended approving the order, with officers explaining that the restrictions would enable civil parking enforcement and that the criteria for a residents' permit scheme were not met. Councillor Martin John Hill OBE proposed the motion to accept the recommendation, highlighting the chaos around the school during pick-up and drop-off times.

Caistor, South Street & Mill Lane: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee approved proposed waiting restrictions at the junction of South Street and Mill Lane in Caistor. These restrictions, including double yellow lines and a bus stop clearway, aim to improve traffic flow for larger vehicles, particularly buses, and enhance visibility at the junction. Two objections were received from residents concerned about the reduction in on-street parking, as many properties lack off-street facilities. The committee overruled these objections, prioritising traffic flow and highway safety. Councillor James Bean, the ward representative, fully supported the recommendation, citing a recent incident where a bus could not navigate the corner due to parked cars.

Spalding, Pinchbeck Road: Proposed Segregated and Shared Use Cycleway/Footway

A scheme to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding was approved. The project, funded by Active Travel England, will create segregated and shared-use facilities to link residential areas with the town centre and employment zones. Fourteen objections were received, primarily concerning safety due to potential conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, especially e-bikes, and the condition of existing footways. The committee noted these concerns but approved the scheme, with officers confirming that footways would be resurfaced, widened, and physically separated for pedestrians and cyclists where possible. Councillor Gary John Taylor proposed the recommendation, emphasizing the need for better coexistence between road users and the importance of promoting cycling.

Waddington, Hollywell Road: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee approved proposed waiting restrictions on Hollywell Road in Waddington, focusing on a bend at the northern end that obstructs traffic flow, particularly for buses. The proposals include double yellow lines and part-time restrictions on the bend itself, with a minor modification to remove a short section of double yellow lines opposite number 16 Sherwood Drive. Six objections were received, mainly concerning the reduction in on-street parking for residents without driveways. The committee overruled these objections, noting that the part-time restrictions would allow parking overnight and on Sundays, and that Stagecoach East Midlands supported the scheme for improved bus service reliability. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon proposed the motion to approve the recommendations, acknowledging the sympathy for residents but stressing the need to protect bus routes.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Thomas Neath, Chairman of the Committee, thanking attendees.