The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 13 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications and traffic regulation orders. Key decisions included granting conditional planning permission for a satellite feedstock storage clamp site facility near Swinderby, approving a Puffin crossing facility on Lincoln Road in Branston, and recommending a 50 mph speed limit for the Grayngham crossroads. The committee also discussed upcoming changes to planning legislation, including the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.

Future Biogas Limited Satellite Feedstock Storage Clamp Site, Swinderby

The committee granted conditional planning permission for Future Biogas Limited to construct a satellite feedstock storage clamp site facility off Wood Lane, Swinderby. The facility will store energy crops and digestate products, primarily for the company's anaerobic digestion (AD) plant at Gonerby Moor. The decision was made subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 planning obligation to secure a routing agreement, directing all traffic associated with the development to access and egress the site only via the A46 Wood Lane junction and the northern section of Wood Lane. Biodiversity net gain matters will be addressed through planning conditions.

Concerns were raised by local residents and parish councils regarding traffic using Wood Lane and the junction with the A46. However, National Highways and Lincolnshire County Council highways departments raised no objections on safety grounds. The application was supported by assessments for transport, odour, noise, visual impact, ecology, biodiversity, and archaeology, none of which indicated significant harm.

Arguments in favour highlighted the proposal's support for renewable energy production, alignment with net-zero carbon targets, and benefits to the rural economy through farmer diversification and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers. Arguments against, or rather points of clarification, focused on the potential for increased traffic movements if different vehicles were used for feedstock and digestate transport, the suitability of the rural location versus an industrial site, and the impact on agricultural land.

The committee also discussed the use of specialised vehicles capable of carrying both solid feedstock and liquid digestate, and the logistics of backhauling digestate to farms. The potential for increased traffic was a significant point of discussion, with assurances given that the proposed traffic movements had been assessed and accounted for. The use of agricultural land was also debated, with the applicant arguing that the benefits of crop rotation and improved soil health outweighed the loss of agricultural land at the site.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant conditional planning permission, with an amendment to the Section 106 agreement and the addition of a planning condition regarding fencing around a surface water lagoon.

Lincoln Road, Branston Puffin Crossing

The committee approved the consideration of a Puffin crossing facility on Lincoln Road, Branston. The B1188 Lincoln Road is a busy route with A-road levels of traffic and heavy goods vehicle movements, which splits the village. The existing controlled crossing is located about half a mile south of the proposed site. The crossing is intended to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for children accessing a primary school on Beach Road, as well as for users of the village hall, doctor's surgery, and other local facilities.

Councillor Ian Carrington, the local division councillor for Potter-Hanworth and Colby, spoke in support of the proposal, highlighting the long-standing need for a safe crossing and the potential for cost savings if installed during planned resurfacing works. The recommendation was moved and seconded, and subsequently carried unanimously.

East Keel A16 Speed Limit Changes

The committee recommended approval for a consultation exercise to introduce a mandatory 20 mph speed limit and an extension of the 30 mph speed limit on the A16 near East Keel. This proposal stems from a history of collisions at a sharp bend on the road, including incidents involving cement mixers and tractors. Despite previous measures such as enhanced signage, vehicle-activated signs, and an advisory 20 mph limit, collisions have continued.

Councillor Philip Roberts, the local division councillor for Horncastle and the Keels, supported the proposal, arguing that making the 20 mph limit mandatory would provide a clearer legal basis for enforcement and potentially reduce the speed of heavy goods vehicles that have been involved in accidents. He noted that the proposal was cost-effective, involving primarily changes to signage.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the enforcement of the new speed limit, the potential inconvenience to drivers, and whether sufficient investigation had been made into direct engagement with concrete manufacturers. The Road Safety Partnership confirmed that while there were no immediate plans for speed cameras, the new mandatory limit would provide a clearer basis for enforcement. The committee voted to approve the consultation exercise.

Grayngham Crossroads 50 mph Speed Limit

The committee recommended approval for a 50 mph speed limit on each approach to the Grayngham crossroads (B1398 and B1205). This junction has experienced six collisions in the last five years, including one fatality, despite existing measures such as enhanced signage and vehicle-activated signs. The policy allows for speed limits to be introduced as part of a package of measures to reduce accidents, even if the standard criteria for a speed limit reduction are not fully met.

Councillor Chris Reeve, the local division councillor for Scotta Rural, spoke in support of the proposal, acknowledging that speed limits are a blunt tool but that in this case, with limited other options and the junction being on the brow of a ridge, it was a necessary measure. He highlighted that other interventions, such as cutting back hedgerows, were not preferred options. The committee supported the proposal, noting that it was part of a series of escalating measures to improve safety at the junction.

Scottwick B1188 Speed Limit

The committee recommended approving a 40 mph speed limit on the B1188 in Scottwick. This decision followed a previous deferral pending clarification of local members' views and further information. A re-survey indicated a mean speed of 39.5 mph, which still falls within the criteria for a 40 mph limit.

Councillor Rob Kendrick, the local division councillor for Metheringham Rural, supported the 40 mph limit as a step towards improving safety, although he noted that the parish council and local residents had requested a 30 mph limit. Councillor Hill spoke in favour of the 40 mph limit, suggesting that a 30 mph limit might lead to less compliance and that the 40 mph limit would be a sensible starting point. The recommendation was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously.

Sleaford, Grantham Road Puffin Crossing and Waiting Restrictions

The committee approved the proposed Puffin Crossing facility and associated waiting restrictions on Grantham Road, Sleaford. The scheme, funded by a developer, aims to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, particularly for children travelling to schools in the north of Sleaford from new housing developments in the south.

Councillor Stephen Clegg, the local division councillor for Sleaford, provided a statement in support of the scheme, highlighting its importance for pedestrian safety and connectivity. Councillor Sal Whittaker, the other divisional councillor for Sleaford, also spoke in favour, noting the long-standing local support for a safer crossing and the current closure of the Grantham Road level crossing for five weeks, which exacerbates traffic issues. Concerns about the loss of four parking spaces were acknowledged, but the safety and accessibility benefits were deemed to outweigh these. The Road Safety Audit confirmed no safety issues with the proposed location. The recommendation was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously.

Spalding, Exeter Drive Waiting Restrictions

The committee approved proposed waiting restrictions on Exeter Drive, Spalding, to address school-related parking issues. Residents had raised concerns about driveways being obstructed and access to the cul-de-sac being blocked. While the council observed that driveways were not obstructed and traffic flow was not significantly impacted, they agreed to implement restrictions around the junction with Halmergate to improve visibility for pedestrians and drivers.

Councillor Taylor, the local division councillor for the area, spoke in support of the proposal, emphasising the need to improve safety at the busy junction. Councillor Clarke raised a question about the consultation process, and the officer clarified that all affected residents were consulted. The recommendation to approve the restrictions was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously.

Woodhall Spa, Witham Road Revocation of No Waiting Restrictions

The committee approved the revocation of no waiting at any time restrictions on the northern side of Witham Road, Woodhall Spa. These restrictions were introduced a year prior to facilitate traffic accessing a roundabout. However, concerns were raised by residents and businesses about the severe impact of the loss of parking. Following monitoring, the council concluded that revoking the restrictions would not result in a loss of the benefits from the original scheme.

The recommendation to approve the revocation was moved by the Chairman and seconded by Councillor Bean, and carried unanimously.

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 Implications

The committee noted the contents of a report detailing the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 for the Planning and Regulation Committee. The Act, due to come into force on 30 September 2026, aims to speed up planning decisions, reduce delays, and create consistency across local authorities. Key changes for the committee include a national scheme of delegation, which will define which applications are decided by officers and which are considered by committee, with a presumption towards officer determination unless specific criteria are met. The Act also limits planning committees to a maximum of 13 members and introduces mandatory training for councillors.

The committee endorsed the proposed next steps, which include constitutional updates, training enhancements, and operational planning to align with the new legislation. Councillor Hill and Councillor Bean both commented on the proposed changes, with a particular focus on the officer-member referral process and the communication of decisions made by officers. The committee agreed to note the report and endorse the proposed next steps.