The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to discuss the future of local planning and heritage preservation in the region. Key agenda items included the commencement of a new Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council, and an update on progress regarding heritage documents for Boston, Holbeach, and Spalding.

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

The committee was scheduled to discuss the commencement of work on a new Joint Local Plan for Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council. This plan is being prepared under new regulations introduced by the Government, following the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. The report highlighted the demanding new timetables for plan production, requiring notification to the Government of the intention to commence the Local Plan by the end of December 2026. A Project Initiation Document (PID) was presented, outlining the proposed governance structure, resources, timetable, and evidence requirements for the new Local Plan. The report recommended endorsing the commencement of work on this plan, noting the principal changes to the local plan-making system and the progress made in preparation. It also highlighted the proposed governance structure and the work programme until plan adoption.

The report detailed the background to the new plan-making system, emphasizing that Local Plans establish how land will be used and developed, setting priorities for housing, employment, infrastructure, design, and environmental standards. The new system compresses plan production timelines to a mandatory 30-month period. The report also considered the option of a single Joint Local Plan for the entire South East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership area, but concluded that this would likely raise significant challenges. The reasons for proceeding with separate plans for Boston and South Holland were outlined, including the need to address specific local challenges such as coastal flood risk and the presence of National Landscape areas, which could impact deliverability. The report stressed the legal requirement to have up-to-date local plans to avoid unregulated development and planning-by-appeal.

The programme management approach was detailed, with the Senior Leadership Team acting as the Local Plans Programme Board. The role of Members of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee was outlined, including overseeing progress, providing direction on political priorities, guiding engagement, and shaping emerging policies. Work to date was summarised, noting existing relevant studies such as the Sport and Recreation/Open Space finalised in 2025 and the Playing Pitch Strategy finalised in 2025. The report also addressed the Digital First requirement, highlighting it as an area of risk for the Partnership due to the need for appropriate technical, systems, training, and procurement assistance. Key risks identified included securing sufficient staff capacity and the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation. The report concluded by reiterating the mandatory requirement for up-to-date local plans and the opportunities for Members to shape the future of their districts.

Update on progress of Heritage documents

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of several heritage documents: Boston, Holbeach and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans, the Spalding Heritage Strategy, and the South East Lincolnshire Council Partnership (SELCP) Design Guide.

Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

The report detailed proposed boundary changes for the Boston Conservation Area, including additions such as Hospital Bridge, Bargate Bridge, and specific streets and buildings. It also outlined proposed exclusions, such as parts of Boston Shopping Park and areas around Norfolk Street. Changes made as a result of public consultation were noted, including the retention of St. John's Recreation Ground and adjustments to the High Street boundary. The Management Plan for Boston was described as including seven objectives aimed at tackling at-risk buildings, controlling the loss of architectural features, preserving open spaces, and encouraging high-quality design.

Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

Proposed boundary changes for Holbeach included additions along Spalding Road, Fleet Street, and Barrington Gate. Changes made following public consultation involved slight reductions to extensions along Spalding Road and Barrington Gate. The management plan for Holbeach included seven objectives focused on addressing at-risk buildings, controlling the loss of architectural features, preserving open spaces, and understanding non-designated heritage assets.

Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

Proposed boundary changes for Spalding included additions such as an outbuilding at Holland Road, properties on Pinchbeck Road, and areas around Spring Street and St Thomas' Road. Exclusions for consultation included properties on New Road and Swan Street. Comments received during consultation primarily focused on potential restrictions for building owners and discussions around the General Permitted Development Order. The management plan for Spalding included five objectives, echoing those in the Spalding Heritage Strategy, and aimed at encouraging high-quality design, understanding non-designated heritage assets, and preserving spaces between buildings. A Spalding Shop Front Design Guide was also presented as an appendix to the Appraisal.

SELCP Traditional Building Design Guide

This guide, unlike the appraisals, is not a statutory document but serves as a guide to encourage thoughtful design when dealing with the historic environment. It highlights topics such as Design Principles, Building Elements (Windows, Doors, Walls, Roofs, etc.), Renewables, Biodiversity, Lighting, Extensions, New Builds, Shopfronts, and how to submit an Application. The guide is designed to be accessed online, allowing users to navigate directly to specific sections.

Spalding Heritage Strategy

This strategy outlines high-level themes and priorities for Spalding's heritage over the next 10 years, developed through co-production with the local community and heritage organisations. It aims to create an environment for local people to be proud of, with an improved high street, spaces for wellbeing, and opportunities to connect with nature and each other. The strategy is supported by an Action Plan for Transformative Change, detailing practical ways to achieve these goals.

The report noted that public consultation had taken place from November 2025 to March 2026, including in-person events, an online questionnaire, and site notices. Responses overwhelmingly supported the need to preserve shared heritage, and consultation was seen as an opportunity to increase awareness and public participation. The Conservation Area Appraisals had also been presented to the Policy Development Panel and Spalding Town Board. The adoption or publication of these documents at Cabinet was recommended to fulfil statutory duties. The report also mentioned that similar reports would be presented in East Lindsey for the approval of their respective Heritage documents.

The committee was asked to note the documents and provide comments, recognising the need to assess historic areas and make changes to ensure they retain their special interest. The reasons for the recommendations highlighted that these documents help to highlight the importance of heritage and, once adopted or published, can be used to support and inform future planning decisions and Local Plan reviews. They also aim to support the enhancement of historic areas in line with statutory duties.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, apologies for absence, and declarations of interest. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 24th February 2025 were also scheduled for confirmation.