The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026. The committee resolved to endorse the commencement of work on a new Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council. The committee also resolved to endorse a target submission date of no later than December 2026 for the Notice of Intention to commence preparation of the Joint Local Plan. Additionally, the committee resolved to note the documents and comments provided, recognising the need to assess the area's historic environments and, where appropriate, make changes to ensure that their special interest is preserved and enhanced.

Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council

The committee resolved to endorse the commencement of work on a new Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council under the new plan-making system introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. This new system mandates a 30-month timeframe for plan preparation, examination, and adoption. Members noted the government's changes to the local plan-making system and the progress made to date. The Project Initiation Document (PID) V1 was noted as the general framework for the councils' work programme, and the proposed governance structure for overseeing plan delivery was also noted. The committee resolved to endorse a target submission date of no later than December 2026 for the Notice of Intention to commence preparation of the Joint Local Plan.

Concerns were raised regarding the financial implications and resourcing of the plan-making process, particularly in light of national recruitment difficulties for planning professionals. Officers confirmed that funding was secured internally and that a Group Manager for Planning Policy had been appointed. The committee acknowledged the ambitious timetable and the potential competition for skilled professionals. Members emphasised the importance of maintaining local control over planning policy and ensuring that local priorities were reflected in the emerging plan. The role of the committee as place makers was highlighted, with members encouraged to provide strategic direction.

Update on Heritage Documents

The committee received an update on progress regarding heritage documents for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding. These included Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding, along with a Spalding Heritage Strategy and Action Plan, and a South East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) Traditional Building Design Guide.

The Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan proposed amendments to the conservation area boundary to ensure the continued protection of the area's special interest. Similar reviews and proposed boundary refinements were presented for Holbeach and Spalding. The Spalding documents also included a Shop Front Design Guide, aimed at improving the quality and appearance of shop fronts. The SELCP Traditional Building Design Guide was presented as a tool to support property owners and developers in understanding appropriate design principles for traditional buildings. The Spalding Heritage Strategy and Action Plan outlined a framework for heritage-led regeneration, focusing on engagement, public realm improvements, and economic growth.

Members welcomed the detailed work undertaken and recognised the importance of protecting and enhancing the area's historic environment. Discussions touched upon the assessment of specific areas, such as the Rosegarth development in Boston, which was not included in the conservation area boundary at this stage but could be reviewed in the future.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding funding for heritage projects. Officers explained that funding was typically secured through competitive processes and generally directed towards schemes delivering wider public benefit, which limited the availability of funding for private residential properties. The prioritisation of projects was influenced by factors such as public benefit, impact on the wider area, and alignment with funding criteria.

Concerns were raised about the practical benefit of the documents for property owners, particularly regarding the additional cost of heritage works. Officers explained that the Design Guide aimed to encourage appropriate maintenance and incremental improvements, recognising that early intervention could reduce long-term costs. The Design Guide was positively received as a consistent and accessible source of guidance.

The importance of promoting local heritage and encouraging greater appreciation among residents and property owners was highlighted. Members acknowledged the challenges associated with enforcement and influencing absentee landlords, but accepted that the documents provided a strong framework for improved outcomes. The differences between modern and traditional buildings, and the potential for damage from inappropriate alterations, were also discussed, with the Design Guide welcomed as a means of improving understanding.

The committee resolved to note the documents and comments provided, recognising the need to assess the area's historic environments and, where appropriate, make changes to ensure their special interest is preserved and enhanced.