The Environment Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Friday, 1 August 2025, to discuss flood resilience, biodiversity net gain, and waste management. Key decisions included supporting the development of a business case for coastal flood resilience, considering guidance for developers on biodiversity net gain, and approving the procurement of a new contract for the repair and maintenance of compaction machinery at household waste recycling centres. The committee also reviewed the progress made in response to recommendations from the Storms Impact Working Group.

Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme

The committee received an update on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme, a partnership initiative involving Lincolnshire County Council, the Environment Agency, East Lindsey District Council, and the Lindsey Marsh Internal Drainage Board. The programme aims to develop a business case for government investment in flood resilience and mitigation due to the degrading state of coastal defences, which are projected to be ineffective by 2040. The report highlighted the urgency of securing funding, with a bid for £330 million required for maintenance and beach nourishment between 2027 and 2039. The committee was asked to acknowledge the work undertaken and recommend that the Executive Councillor for the Environment and Executive Director for Place continue developing the strategic assessment and cost profiling for the coastal strategy. They also requested a further report on this matter for the September meeting.

Biodiversity Net Gain - Opportunities for Lincolnshire County Council

The committee considered opportunities for Lincolnshire County Council to engage with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a requirement for developers to enhance biodiversity by at least 10% following development. The report explored how the council could invest its own land in land banking to offset its BNG liabilities as a developer and to sell BNG units to the market. The committee was invited to recommend that the Executive Director of Resources and the Executive Director of Place consider these opportunities.

Guidance for developers on Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and monitoring fees

The committee reviewed guidance for developers on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements and monitoring fees. BNG is a legal requirement for most developments, mandating a minimum 10% net gain for biodiversity. The guidance outlines the processes for achieving BNG, including on-site and off-site gains, and the associated monitoring fees. The committee was asked to consider the report and determine whether to support the recommendations to the Executive, and to provide any additional comments. The Executive is due to consider this guidance on 2 September 2025.

Procurement and Maintenance of Compaction Machinery at Household Waste Recycling Centres

The committee considered a report on the procurement and maintenance of compaction machinery at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). The current contract expires in November 2025. The report proposed procuring a new contract for a term of three years, with two optional one-year extensions, at an estimated whole-life value of £750,000. The committee was asked to support these recommendations and pass any additional comments to the Executive Councillor for Environment, who is due to make a decision between 4 and 8 August 2025.

Storms Impact Working Group - Response to Recommendations

The committee received an update on the actions taken in response to recommendations from the Storms Impact Working Group, which published its report in February 2025 following the winter storms of 2023/24. The report detailed progress on improving public contact procedures for flood events, supporting communities in developing emergency plans, and advising householders on flood resilience measures. It also outlined the council's engagement with the government regarding funding for flood risk activities, the Environment Agency's procurement arrangements, and the need for a more flexible approach to funding for Internal Drainage Boards. The committee was asked to endorse the report and note the progress made, requesting that the Executive Councillor for the Environment and Executive Director of Place continue to progress work to deliver against the recommendations.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme, which outlines upcoming agenda items and potential future topics. The programme includes discussions on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain, procurement of waste machinery, and the response to the Storms Impact Working Group recommendations for the August meeting. Future items include updates on flood risk management, adaptation strategies, and the adoption of various plans and policies. The committee was invited to comment on the work programme and suggest any additional scrutiny activities.