The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 15 June 2026 to discuss a range of planning and traffic regulation matters. Key decisions included the approval of varied working hours for Skellington Quarry and the introduction of several new waiting restrictions across various locations in the county.

Skillington Quarry: Varied Hours of Operation

The committee considered an application to vary planning permission S18-2237 at Skellington Quarry, located to the east and west of Skillington Road in Colsterworth. The application sought to amend Condition 9, relating to the hours of operation, to allow for an earlier start at 7am on weekdays and Saturdays, and an extended working day on Fridays until 6pm.

Heritage Quarry Group (North) Limited, represented by SLR Consulting Limited, argued that these changes were necessary to regularise working hours in line with competitors and meet market demand. They emphasised that there would be no increase in overall vehicle movements or changes to site workings.

Concerns were raised by local residents and the Colsterworth and District Parish Council regarding potential impacts on residential amenity, noise, traffic, and the rural character of the area. Objections highlighted the sensitivity of early morning hours for noise disturbance and the potential for increased HGV activity through villages.

However, officers noted that the proposed hours were consistent with normal mineral working practices, as recognised by the Planning Practice Guidance, which suggests normal working hours of 7am to 7pm. Technical consultees, including the Highway Authority and Environmental Health Officer, raised no objections. The committee was informed that the separation distance of approximately 500 metres to the nearest residential property, combined with existing mitigation measures, meant predicted noise levels would remain below established limits.

Despite some councillors expressing reservations about the 7am start, particularly on Saturdays, and the potential impact on villages like Colsterworth, the officer recommendation was to grant planning permission. Councillor Charlotte Vernon proposed an amendment to change the Saturday start time to 8am, but this was not seconded. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the officer's recommendation, granting the varied hours of operation for Skillington Quarry.

Traffic Regulation Orders and Speed Limit Changes

The committee also addressed several traffic-related items, approving various waiting restrictions and a speed limit change:

• Boston, Cherry Walk – Proposed revocation of waiting restrictions: The committee advised the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport to approve the revocation of no waiting at any time restrictions on Cherry Walk in Boston. This decision aims to improve parking availability for residents, with officers concluding that the extensive historical restrictions were no longer necessary and would not cause visibility issues.

• Coningsby, School Lane - Proposed waiting restrictions: New waiting restrictions were approved for School Lane in Coningsby. This includes mandatory School Keep Clear markings during school drop-off and pick-up times, and no waiting at any time restrictions in front of the lay-by opposite the care home. The decision prioritises the safety of children accessing the school and ensures emergency vehicle access to the care home, despite objections from residents concerned about limited parking.

• Heckington, Church Street & St Andrews Street - Proposed waiting restrictions: The committee recommended approving proposed waiting restrictions on Church Street and St Andrews Street in Heckington. These measures aim to improve visibility and safety by extending no waiting at any time restrictions and revoking small sections to manage obstructive parking, particularly around the church and on St Andrews Street. Objections regarding displacement and access issues were considered but overruled in favour of safety improvements.

• Lincoln, Yarborough - Proposed bus stop clearways: Bus stop clearways were approved for Yarborough Road in Lincoln, operational Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm. This measure is intended to prevent cars from parking in lay-bys, which currently obstruct buses and cause congestion. While one objection raised concerns about the loss of parking for residents, the committee supported the proposal to ensure safe bus operations and passenger pick-up/drop-off.

• Long Bennington, Various Roads - Proposed waiting restrictions: The committee decided to withdraw proposed waiting restrictions on various roads in Long Bennington. This decision followed significant objections and concerns raised by residents and local businesses regarding the accuracy of the assessment, the impact of a recently relocated business, and the need for the proposals to be considered as two separate applications rather than one. The committee requested further clarification and separate consideration of the proposals.

• Lutton, Marriots Gate - Proposed waiting restrictions: Waiting restrictions were approved for Marriots Gate in Lutton. These include mandatory school keep clear markings and no waiting at any time restrictions at junctions, aimed at improving visibility and safety for road users, particularly around Lutton St Nicholas Primary School. While one objection raised concerns about displacement and the school's responsibility for parking, the committee supported the minimal restrictions proposed.

• West Willoughby A153 – Proposed 40mph Speed Limit: The committee recommended approving the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on a section of the A153 through West Willoughby. This aims to create a consistent speed reduction between villages, aligning with the council's speed limit policy. Despite one objection arguing against the change, the committee supported the proposal, noting that the mean speed of traffic already justified a lower limit and that the change would improve safety.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman thanking attendees and noting the next meeting was scheduled for Monday, 13 July 2026.