The Planning Committee of South Holland Council met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to discuss a range of planning applications and updates. Key items on the agenda included proposals for electricity line works, a retrospective application for a Gypsy traveller plot, and new housing developments in Crowland and Long Sutton. The committee also received an update on recent planning appeal decisions.

Electricity Line Works Applications

Two applications were scheduled for discussion concerning Section 37 Overhead Line Works for electricity lines in the vicinity of the Spalding Tee-Point, Surfleet Seas End, and Moulton Seas End. These applications relate to the existing 400 kV 4ZM and 2WS Lines. The reports indicated that these works are necessary to connect the Outer Dowsing Offshore Windfarm to the National Electricity Transmission System, a project consented by the Secretary of State for DESNZ on 10 February 2026.

The reports detailed potential impacts on the landscape and visual amenity, the permanent loss of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (BMVAL), and ecological considerations. Mitigation measures proposed included a Soil Management Plan, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP), all to be based on outline management plans submitted with the formal Section 37 application. The council's recommendation was to advise National Grid Electricity Transmission plc that the District Planning Authority had no objection, subject to the Secretary of State's consideration of concerns regarding BMVAL loss and construction impacts, and the cumulative impact of the Weston Marsh Substation application.

Gypsy Traveller Plot Application at Ravens Gate, Holbeach St Johns

A full application for the use of a site as a Gypsy Traveller Plot on a storage yard, retrospectively, at Ravens Gate, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding, was scheduled for consideration. The site is located in open countryside outside the development boundary. Relevant policies included Policy 20 of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan concerning Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, and the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) 2024.

Concerns raised by objectors included the site's countryside location, sustainability, highway safety, and potential impacts on nearby residents. The Environment Agency raised no objection, subject to conditions regarding caravan anchoring and finished floor levels. Lincolnshire County Council Highways and SuDS also raised no objection. The report noted that the site lies within Flood Zone 2, but the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) indicated it was outside hazard extents for future climate change scenarios. The report concluded that the proposal was acceptable in principle and complied with relevant policies, subject to conditions including those relating to biodiversity net gain and flood risk mitigation.

Development for 80 Dwellings at Land East of Normanton Road, Crowland

A significant application for the development of 80 dwellings, with access, landscaping, drainage, open space, and associated infrastructure at Land East of Normanton Road, Crowland, was on the agenda. The site is an allocated housing site within the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan (2019). The proposal included 60 open market dwellings and 20 affordable dwellings.

The site is located within Flood Zone 3, and the Environment Agency initially objected due to an inadequate flood risk assessment. However, following amendments, the Environment Agency withdrew its objection, subject to specific mitigation measures including finished floor levels set at 2.6 metres above Ordnance Datum and flood resilience construction. Anglian Water initially objected due to insufficient capacity at the Crowland Water Recycling Centre (WRC), but later withdrew its objection, stating the WRC could accommodate the proposed growth.

Concerns were raised by residents and the Parish Council regarding infrastructure capacity, traffic, noise, flood risk, and the exceeding of housing targets set in the Local Plan. Lincolnshire County Council Education requested a financial contribution of £475,524 for primary education facilities. Crowland Parish Council requested £120,000 for a new community building and sports pavilion. The report detailed extensive discussions and negotiations regarding developer contributions, affordable housing provision, and highway improvements. The proposal was considered to accord with the development plan and national policy, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

Change of Use Application at 4 High Street, Long Sutton

An application for a change of use from a former gift and interiors shop to a ground floor solicitors' office, with a hair and beauty salon on the first floor, at 4 High Street, Long Sutton, was scheduled for discussion. The site is located within the Long Sutton Conservation Area and is in proximity to several Grade II listed buildings.

The Historic Environment Officer noted that the proposal was unlikely to impact significant archaeological remains but advised consultation with the South Holland District Council Conservation Officer due to potential indirect impacts on designated heritage assets. The Conservation Officer raised no objections, subject to provisos regarding the infilling of coach doors and the detailing of new windows and frames, which were to be secured by condition. The report concluded that the proposal was acceptable in principle and would not cause adverse impacts to the character or appearance of the area or harm heritage assets.

Planning Appeals Update

An update on recent planning appeal decisions was presented. Since the previous report, six appeals had been dismissed, three allowed, and one deemed invalid. The report provided a table detailing the appeal information, site, officer, outcome, and decision date for both dismissed and allowed appeals.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, the signing of minutes from the previous meeting, and declarations of interest. There was also an item for Any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent.