The Planning Committee of South Holland Council was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including a new primary substation, modifications to a leisure complex development, and the conversion of a rural building. The committee was also set to receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions and a report on the review of implemented planning decisions.

New Primary Substation at Land West of Branches Lane, Holbeach

A full application was scheduled for discussion regarding the construction of a new primary substation at Land West of Branches Lane, Holbeach. The report pack indicated that this development is considered essential infrastructure to address insufficient capacity in the local electricity network, which has been identified as a constraint on growth ambitions for the east of the district. The proposal aims to upgrade the electricity network to meet current and future power needs, supporting housing and commercial development. The report detailed considerations regarding the site's location in the countryside, its visual impact, flood risk, and the need for archaeological mitigation. Various consultees, including the Strategic Growth Team, Environment Agency, and Highways & Suds Support, provided responses.

Modifications to Castle Sports Complex Development, Spalding

The committee was scheduled to consider a Section 73 modification application for the Castle Sports Complex, Albion Street, Spalding. This application sought amendments to previously approved plans and conditions related to the demolition of the existing swimming pool building and the construction of a new leisure hub. The proposed changes included reconfiguration of car parking, revised phasing of the development, minor internal and external building alterations, and adjustments to conditions concerning fire appliance access and surface water drainage. The report highlighted that the principle of the development was already established and the assessment focused on the acceptability of the proposed amendments.

Conversion of Existing Steel Framed Building to Self-Build Dwelling, Moulton

A full application was scheduled for consideration concerning the conversion of an existing steel-framed building to a three-bedroom, self-build dwelling at Land off High Road, Moulton, Spalding. The report indicated that the site is located in the countryside, outside of any defined settlement boundary. The proposal involved extending the existing building and re-cladding it with new materials. The report detailed considerations regarding the principle of development in the countryside, the reuse of existing buildings, the design of the proposed dwelling, and its impact on residential amenity, highway safety, and flood risk. The self-build nature of the dwelling was noted as a material consideration.

Planning Appeals Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on recent planning appeal decisions. The report indicated that since the previous report, four appeals had been dismissed, and none had been allowed or partially allowed. The report provided details of the dismissed appeals, including the appeal site, officer involved, outcome, and decision date.

Review of Implemented Planning Decisions Tour

A report was scheduled to be presented on the conclusions of the Performance Monitoring Panel following a review/tour of implemented planning decisions. The report detailed that the tour took place on 16th October 2025, involving visits to various residential and commercial developments across the district. The main conclusions noted from the exercise included concerns about the lack of private front gardens, the uniform approach to design and material finishes in larger schemes, the siting of bin collection points, the management of open spaces, and issues related to drainage and sloping drives. The committee was invited to submit any comments back to the Performance Monitoring Panel.