The Planning Committee of South Holland Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications and receive an update on planning appeals. The committee refused an application for an agricultural worker's dwelling and granted permission for a drive-through coffee shop and car wash.

Agricultural Workers Dwelling Refused

The committee refused a full application for the erection of an agricultural workers dwelling at Land at Gibbet Fen, Fen Road (A52), Donington. The applicant, Wray Trading LTD, sought permission for a dwelling to be occupied by a worker associated with an approved poultry farm.

While officers acknowledged a functional need for a worker to be readily available to the site, particularly for animal welfare and biosecurity reasons, they concluded that the submitted evidence did not demonstrate an essential need for permanent on-site residence. Concerns were raised that alternative arrangements, such as living in the nearby settlement of Donington, or a temporary dwelling, could suffice. Councillor Brewis and Councillor Redgate moved and seconded the refusal, aligning with the officer's recommendation. Some councillors expressed concerns about potential discrimination against those unable to drive and the time it might take to travel from Donington in an emergency. The nature of the proposed business as a multimillion pound investment was highlighted, with the need for a property on-site to attract a high-calibre manager. An additional refusal reason regarding future occupier amenity due to insufficient information on noise, odour, and air quality impacts from the nearby poultry installation was suggested but not added.

Drive-Through Coffee Shop and Car Wash Approved

Permission was granted for the implementation of a drive-through coffee shop, vehicle and cycle parking (including EV Charging), landscaping, and a car wash unit at Land off King's Road, Spalding. The applicant was Steelframe Building Systems.

The committee viewed the proposal positively as a great use of a scrub site and a nice infill. Several amendments were made to the conditions. Condition 7, relating to opening hours, was amended to 7am-7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, aligning with the nearby Sainsbury's opening times. Condition 11 was amended to include additional wording ensuring that planted shrubs and hedging would be tall enough to act as an appropriate barrier from day one. Condition 17, concerning foul water disposal, was strengthened to provide reassurance. Councillor Redgate and Councillor Beal moved and seconded the approval with these amendments. Concerns were raised regarding Anglian Water's objection to the drainage connection to their sewer, with officers stating Anglian Water had taken a generic approach and had been asked to substantiate their objections. The provision of additional waste bins was confirmed, and the entrance location was deemed suitable.

Planning Appeals Update

The committee received an update on recent planning appeal decisions. Since the previous report, three appeals had been dismissed, and four had been allowed. The overall success rate for the council in planning appeals since April 2017 was noted as 73.73%.

The following appeal decisions were noted:

• Dismissed:
  • 4 Daniels Gate, Long Sutton, Spalding (H11-1009-25)
  • 20 Broadgate Road, Sutton St Edmund, Spalding (H19-1200-25)
  • Crowland Community Hall, 65 Broadway, Crowland (H02-1106-25)
• Allowed:
  • 14 Hickory Close, Holbeach, Spalding (H09-0007-26)
  • Lowlands, Hurn Bank, Holbeach Hurn, Spalding (H09-0011-26)
  • Land off Northgate, Pinchbeck, Spalding (H14-0765-25)
  • 2 & 2A Sheep Market, Spalding (H16-1096-25)