The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday, 11 May 2026, to discuss several planning applications and traffic regulation orders. Key decisions included the refusal of planning permission for a biogas plant in Anwick due to landscape and heritage concerns, the granting of conditional permission for an anaerobic digester plant near Spalding, and objections raised to National Grid's proposed overhead line works near Spalding, advocating for a public inquiry. The committee also approved several traffic regulation orders, including waiting restrictions in Crowland, Lincoln, and Stamford, and a bus stop clearway in Hundleby, while withdrawing proposed restrictions in Pinchbeck for further review.

Biogas Plant Refused in Anwick

Planning permission was refused for a proposed biogas plant by Stream Bioenergy UK Ltd at Land to the West of Moy Park Facility and South of the A153, Anwick. The committee cited concerns that the development, due to its size and design, would result in the industrialisation of the countryside, causing significant adverse harm to the landscape character and visual amenity. Furthermore, the proposal was deemed to be contrary to policies protecting the historic environment, specifically concerning the setting of Haverholme Priory and Park Lane, with insufficient information provided to demonstrate that potential odour impacts would not harm sensitive receptors.

Anaerobic Digester Plant Approved Near Spalding

Conditional planning permission was granted to Naylor Farms for a proposed anaerobic digester plant and associated buildings at Land to the East of Surfleet Bank and West of Woad Farm, Spalding. The decision was subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 legal agreement to secure a Habitats Management and Monitoring Plan, associated fees, a routing agreement for HGV traffic via the A16 junction and the northern section of Surfleet Bank, and monitoring fees for the Travel Plan. The committee noted the development's contribution to renewable energy generation, waste management, and the local economy, while concluding that potential environmental and amenity impacts could be satisfactorily mitigated through planning conditions and the Section 106 agreement.

National Grid Overhead Line Works to be Subject of Public Inquiry

The committee resolved to object to National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc's proposed overhead line works near Spalding. The objections were based on two main grounds: firstly, that the timing of the works, brought forward ahead of the wider Grimsby to Walpole project, would cause an unnecessary and prolonged period of disruption to local communities; and secondly, that insufficient information had been provided to adequately assess the impacts on highways, archaeology, ecology, and flood risk. Consequently, the committee recommended that the Secretary of State hold a public inquiry into the applications.

Traffic Regulation Orders Approved

Several traffic regulation orders were discussed and approved:

• Crowland, Postland Road: Proposed waiting restrictions were approved to extend the School Keep Clear timings to 7:30 am, aiming to improve safety for primary and secondary school pupils and manage traffic flow around the school entrance.
• Hundleby, Main Road: A proposed Bus Stop Clearway on the northern carriageway was approved to ensure buses can stop at the kerb, improving safety for passengers and the smooth running of the service.
• Lincoln, Newport: Proposed waiting restrictions were approved to improve visibility and traffic flow around a pedestrian refuge island and a business entrance.
• Stamford, Back Lane: Proposed 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions were approved to ensure unimpeded access to off-street parking for residents, addressing safety and accessibility concerns.
• Witham St Hughs, Hedge Lane: Proposed waiting restrictions were approved to improve traffic flow and address conflict on the approach to a roundabout, ensuring clear access for all vehicles, including buses and emergency services.

Pinchbeck, Knight Street Waiting Restrictions Withdrawn

Proposed 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions on Knight Street, Pinchbeck, were withdrawn. The committee decided to withdraw the proposal to allow for further review and a more comprehensive, holistic approach to parking issues in the area, acknowledging concerns about the impact on local businesses and the potential for vehicle displacement.

Other Business

The committee also formally approved and signed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 April 2026, and the notes from site visits conducted on 6 May 2026. An item regarding a proposed biogas plant at Land to the West of Moy Park Facility and South of the A153, Anwick (Stream Bioenergy UK Ltd) was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of the applicant.