The Planning and Regulation Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 13 April 2026, approving site visits for two proposed anaerobic digestion plants and a series of traffic regulation orders across the county. The committee also discussed the need for improved cycling and walking infrastructure in Spalding.

Proposed Anaerobic Digestion Plants Site Visits

The committee resolved to undertake site visits to two proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) plants, one at Anwick for StreamBioenergy UK Ltd and another at Spalding for Naylor Farms. These plants are intended to process waste to produce biomethane and other byproducts. The site visits are scheduled to take place before the main applications are considered on 11 May 2026, allowing councillors to assess the proposed developments in context with their surroundings, and to evaluate the suitability of proposed access routes for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and potential impacts on local amenity and the environment. Councillor James Bean raised the question of whether the committee had experience with operational AD plants and suggested visiting an existing site. Neil McBride, Head of Planning, confirmed that a visit to an existing AD plant would be included as part of the site visit day as a training exercise.

Traffic Regulation Orders Approved

The committee approved several proposed traffic regulation orders across the county, primarily focusing on introducing waiting restrictions to improve traffic flow and safety, particularly around schools and busy junctions.

Bourne Sandown Drive: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended the approval of proposed waiting restrictions on Sandown Drive in Bourne. These restrictions, including double yellow lines and part-time restrictions, aim to address school-related parking that obstructs accesses and junctions. Five objections were received, primarily concerning inconvenience to residents and potential displacement of parking. However, the committee agreed with officers' recommendations to overrule these objections, stating that the proposed measures are the minimum necessary to improve traffic flow and visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Councillor Kenneth Redfern, whose ward includes the area, supported the proposals, noting the road's narrowness and busyness. Councillor Charlotte Edwards Vernon also supported the measures, acknowledging the need to prioritise pedestrian safety on a route to school.

Bourne Westbourne Park: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

Following a request from the local member, the committee considered proposed waiting restrictions in Westbourne Park, Bourne, near Bourne Westfield Primary Academy. The proposals include 24-hour restrictions at junctions and part-time restrictions in the immediate vicinity of the school to address parking that obstructs visibility and traffic flow. Six objections were received, raising concerns about enforcement effectiveness, the year-round application of part-time restrictions, and the removal of existing advisory school safety markings. The committee noted that the proposed restrictions would enable civil parking enforcement and that the criteria for a permit parking scheme were not met. Councillor Martin Hill OBE proposed, and Councillor Charlotte Edwards Vernon seconded, the recommendation to approve the proposed order, acknowledging the significant parking issues around the busy school.

Caistor South Street and Mill Lane: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended the approval of proposed waiting restrictions at the junction of South Street and Mill Lane in Caistor. The proposals include double yellow lines and a bus stop clearway to address parking that obstructs traffic flow, particularly for buses and HGVs, and obscures visibility at the junction. Two objections were received from residents concerned about the reduction in on-street parking, as many properties lack off-street facilities. However, the committee supported the recommendation to overrule these objections, citing the necessity of the restrictions for traffic flow, highway safety, and ensuring bus stop accessibility. Councillor James Bean, the ward representative, fully supported the recommendation, highlighting recent disruptions to bus services due to parking in the area. Councillor Charlotte Edwards Vernon also supported the proposal, noting the potential obstruction for emergency vehicles and the importance of maintaining public transport access.

Spalding Pinchbeck Road: Proposed Segregated and Shared Use Cycleway/Footway

The committee recommended the approval of proposals for a segregated and shared use cycleway and footway on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding. This scheme, funded by Active Travel England, aims to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities, linking the town centre with residential and employment areas. Fourteen objections were received, primarily expressing concerns about safety due to potential conflict between cyclists and pedestrians, especially e-bikes, and the condition of existing footways. The project team confirmed that footways would be resurfaced and widened, with physical separation between pedestrians and cyclists along much of the route, including near Swallows Court retirement complex. Councillor Gary Taylor proposed, and Councillor Manzur Hasan seconded, the recommendation, emphasizing the importance of promoting cycling for health and environmental benefits, while acknowledging the need to address the concerns of objectors.

Waddington Hollywell Road: Proposed Waiting Restrictions

The committee recommended the approval of proposed waiting restrictions on Hollywell Road in Waddington. The proposals include double yellow lines and part-time restrictions on a bend to improve traffic flow and visibility, particularly for buses on a well-used route. Six objections were received from residents concerned about the reduction in on-street parking. The committee noted that the part-time restrictions would apply Monday to Saturday during the daytime, allowing overnight and Sunday parking. A minor modification was also approved to remove a short section of double yellow line opposite number 16 Sherwood Drive to benefit local residents. Councillor Charlotte Edwards Vernon proposed, and Councillor Martin Hill OBE seconded, the recommendation, highlighting the need to protect bus routes and acknowledging the compromise made to residents.

Other Business

The committee also discussed the upcoming Planning and Regulation Committee meeting on 11 May 2026, which will consider two applications for anaerobic digestion plants. The report for this agenda item highlighted that both proposed sites are designated as being in open countryside and would involve significant vehicle movements and the import of waste materials. The committee was informed about the process of anaerobic digestion and its potential benefits, such as the production of biomethane for energy and nutrient-rich fertilisers.