The Planning and Regulation Committee convened to discuss various traffic regulation orders and two significant planning applications. Councillors approved a local impact report and formally objected to the Beacon Fen Energy Park development, while also deferring a decision on a quarry application near Caistor.

Beacon Fen Energy Park

The committee reviewed an application by Beacon Fen Energy Park Limited for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to construct a solar farm capable of generating up to 400MW of power, alongside a 600MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated infrastructure. The proposed site is located on agricultural land near Heckington, within the administrative areas of North Kesteven District Council and Boston Borough Council. The project also includes a 400kV underground cable corridor connecting to the National Grid substation at Bicker Fen.

Justine Foster, Infrastructure Manager, presented the report, highlighting that while the project aligns with national renewable energy objectives, significant concerns exist regarding potential negative impacts. The committee's recommendation was to approve the submission of a local impact report and to formally object to the DCO application.

Key concerns raised in the local impact report included:

• Landscape and Visual Impact: The development's scale would significantly alter the landscape character and visual amenity, replacing agricultural fields with intensive solar infrastructure . A landscape consultant's report was appended to the local impact report.
• Ecological Impacts: Potential negative cumulative impacts on ground-nesting birds were noted. However, the proposal aims to deliver biodiversity net gain[^1]. [^1]: Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before.
• Loss of Agricultural Land: The project would result in the loss of 277 hectares of best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land[^2], with 20 hectares being a permanent loss. The report argued that the applicant's assessment underestimated the amount of BMV land affected by solar developments in Lincolnshire. [^2]: Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land is a classification of agricultural land that is considered to be of the highest quality and most suitable for a wide range of agricultural uses.
• Socioeconomic Considerations: Concerns were raised about pressure on local services, the temporary nature of most jobs created, and the lack of assessment of the economic impact of reduced agricultural output.
• Waste Management: The report highlighted the cumulative impacts of multiple large-scale solar farms in Lincolnshire and the lack of facilities to recycle solar panels at scale.
• Cumulative Effects: The cumulative impacts of the Beacon Fen Energy Park combined with other developments, including other solar farms, grid upgrade proposals, and a new Lincolnshire reservoir, could be significant.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Councillors expressed concerns about the safety of the BESS, questioned the limited information about fire safety, and asked for more details on the technology to be used. Councillor Mrs M J Overton MBE noted a similar proposal at Colby involved one thousand three hundred and twenty four shipping containers full of lithium battery close to the village .
• Flood Risk: While the council as the lead local flood authority had not raised any concerns regarding flood risk assessments, there was insufficient evidence provided to verify that the applicant had undertaken a sequential test[^3] to direct the development to an area with the lowest flood risk. [^3]: A sequential test is a planning process used to guide development to areas with the lowest risk of flooding.

Councillor J Bean proposed that the committee object to the application based on the significant negative impacts on the local economy, socio-economics, and biodiversity, as well as concerns about waste, recycling, and the safety of the BESS. This was seconded by Councillor M J Hill OBE.

Councillor N M Murray expressed support for the project, emphasising the need for clean, renewable energy and reducing reliance on energy imports. However, the committee voted to approve the local impact report and formally object to the DCO application, with seven councillors in favor and one against.

Welton Aggregates Limited - Land South of North Kelsey Road, Caistor

The committee considered an application by Welton Aggregates Limited for the phased extraction of sand and gravel at land south of North Kelsey Road, Caistor. The proposal includes the creation of two water bodies, grassland, woodland, and a new access from North Kelsey Road. The planning officer's recommendation was for conditional planning permission to be granted.

Mike Daley, Planning Manager Applications and Enforcement, introduced the report, noting the site's allocation in the Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan. The application proposes the extraction of 150,000 tonnes of building and plastering sand over four years, with mobile plant only and no weekend working.

Katie Allenby, a local resident, spoke against the quarry, raising concerns about noise, dust, loss of a public right of way, and the impact on residents' lives. Oliver Craven, agent for the applicant, spoke in favor, highlighting the small scale of the operation, the specialist nature of the sand, and the proposed restoration scheme.

Councillors raised concerns about the suitability of North Kelsey Road for HGVs, the impact on the historic town of Caistor, and the need for a link road to the A46. Councillor Mrs M J Overton MBE questioned whether the applicant had adequately considered alternative sites and proven the unique need for the sand.

Councillor P C Wimhurst moved to reject the application, citing concerns about the suitability of North Kelsey Road. Councillor J Bean seconded the motion.

Following discussion, Councillor M J Hill OBE proposed deferring the item to obtain further information from the highways department, address concerns about visual intrusion, and clarify the need for the development in the context of the Lincolnshire Local Minerals Plan. Councillor G J Taylor seconded this proposal. The committee voted to defer the application.

Traffic Regulation Orders

The committee addressed several proposed traffic regulation orders (TROs) across the county.

Burgh le Marsh, Hall Lane - Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approval of proposed waiting restrictions on Hall Lane in Burgh le Marsh. Councillor C P Edgoose-Zagorskiy noted the presence of adequate off-road parking for visitors and the narrowness of the road. Councillor Mrs C L E Vernon supported the proposal, citing concerns about people parking in bus stops and the need to prioritise children and pedestrian safety.

Donington, A52 Bicker Road - Proposed 50mph Speed Limit

The committee discussed a proposal to reduce the speed limit on the A52 Bicker Road in Donington to 50mph, with the intention of building a pedestrian refuge. Councillor Jane Lesley King, the local division member, advocated for a 40mph limit, citing safety concerns due to a new Co-op and fish and chip shop near the junction. She also mentioned a petition with 438 signatures supporting a lower speed limit.

Councillor P C Wimhurst expressed caution about reducing the limit due to police recommendations regarding potential overtaking manoeuvres. Councillor M J Hill OBE echoed these concerns, suggesting that excessive use of 40mph zones could lead to drivers ignoring them.

Councillor T E Sneath, Chairman of the Committee, proposed a modification to allow the executive to consider a 40mph limit, consulting with himself and the local member before any action is taken. The committee approved this modification.

Gainsborough, Park Springs Road and Pilgrims Approach - Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approval of proposed waiting restrictions on Park Springs Road and Pilgrims Approach in Gainsborough. Councillor Mrs C L E Vernon emphasised the need to ensure emergency vehicles can access the area.

Great Gonerby, Green Street and High Street - Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approval of proposed waiting restrictions on Green Street and High Street in Great Gonerby. Councillor P C Wimhurst cited safety concerns due to inconsiderate parking. Councillor M J Hill OBE raised concerns about the police not enforcing existing guidance against parking on junctions.

Lincoln, Sadler Road - Proposed Waiting Restrictions and Bus Stop Clearway

The committee recommended approval of proposed waiting restrictions and a bus stop clearway on Sadler Road in Lincoln. Councillor A C Woodruff, the local division member, noted the inconsiderate parking and the difficulties faced by learner drivers in the area.

Louth, Newmarket - Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended approval of proposed waiting restrictions on Newmarket in Louth.

Morton A15 - Proposed Pedestrian Crossing Facility

The committee supported the installation of a puffin crossing¹ on the A15 in Morton. Councillor M J Hill OBE, one of the local members, highlighted the traffic issues and the inadequacy of the existing pedestrian refuge. Councillor Mrs C L E Vernon supported the recommendation, citing the volume of traffic and safety concerns for pedestrians and schoolchildren.

Scopwick, B1188 - Proposed 40mph Speed Limit

The committee discussed a proposal to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the B1188 in Scopwick. Councillor Rob Kendrick, the local division member, supported arguments against the proposal, noting the lack of properties fronting the road and the potential for confusion due to frequent speed limit changes.

Councillor M J Hill OBE questioned the necessity of the change, while Councillor P C Wimhurst expressed concerns about enforcement. Councillor R J Whitaker supported the proposal, citing difficulties exiting a junction due to the speed of traffic. Councillor Mrs M J Overton MBE also supported the 40mph limit, referencing an accident at the junction.

The committee voted to defer the item to get clarification on the local members comments.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.44pm.