Agenda and draft minutes

Up to 15 minutes are allowed for public participation.  Participants are restricted to 3 minutes each.

There was no public participation.

i)      Meeting of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday 15 October 2025, previously circulated.

Having been proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, be confirmed and signed as an accurate record.

Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any time during the course of the meeting.

A non-pecuniary interest was declared by Councillor Dobbie as a former member of the Liberal Club on Trinity Street. Councillor Dobbie stated that he was familiar with the property and therefore considered it appropriate to declare an interest in relation to the application.

Note – the status of Neighbourhood Plans in the District may be found via this link

https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/planning-and-building/neighbourhood-planning/

The Development Management Team Manager provided a brief update to the Committee. It was reported that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill had its third reading in the House of Lords, and speculation within the planning press suggested that Royal Assent could be granted by the end of the November 2025. It was noted that many of the amendments tabled in the House of Lords were focused on nature restoration aspects proposed within the Bill.

The Committee was reminded that the Bill intended to empower Natural England to prepare a new type of plan, known as an Environmental Delivery Plan, which would set out strategic actions to address the impact of development on protected sites or species and support nature recovery beyond the current approach.

It was acknowledged that there remained considerable debate regarding the mechanisms for implementation, and the final version of the Bill was awaited.

On a local level, the Committee was advised that the Ingham Neighbourhood Plan was currently at consultation, which would conclude on 21 November 2025.

The Officer confirmed that the Ward Members for the application were Councillor McGee and Councillor Young, and that they had been notified following the Chairman’s briefing. The Officer then proceeded to present the application, which related to the former Sports and Social Club at 17 Trinity Street. The proposal before the Committee was for a change of use to a place of worship, with no external alterations.

The Officer explained that the site was located at the northern end of Trinity Street, to the south of the Tesco Superstore. It was reiterated that all proposed alterations were internal. Photographs of the building were displayed, showing its position on the eastern side of Trinity Street and its wider context.

Internal photographs provided by the applicant were also shown. It was noted that Lincolnshire County Council Archaeology had initially requested a historic building recording; however, upon reviewing the internal photographs, it was determined that no historic features remained, and the original comments were withdrawn.

Further photographs illustrated the internal layout and the surrounding area. The presentation concluded with images showing the site within its wider setting on Trinity Street.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for his presentation and with no registered speakers, opened the floor for discussion.

During the debate, it was noted that Councillor McGee, as Ward Member, had expressed full support for the application but was unable to attend due to illness.

Members acknowledged disappointment at the loss of another hospitality venue, observing that such closures were becoming increasingly common. It was commented that the property had been marketed for a considerable period without success and that the owners were relocating abroad, necessitating the sale.

Members agreed that the choice was between leaving the building vacant or allowing its use for a purpose considered beneficial to the community. Hope Church was recognised as a well-established organisation delivering positive contributions locally, and the application was supported on that basis.

Concerns were raised regarding parking provision. It was noted that although council owned car parks were available nearby, experience suggested that visitors were unlikely to use them, preferring to park on surrounding streets. Members acknowledged that this issue was difficult to resolve but wished to record the concern.

Further discussion took place regarding the historical significance of the building and whether a commemorative plaque should be installed. It was confirmed by the Officer that Lincolnshire County Council Archaeology had withdrawn its original comments following review of internal photographs, and the applicant had declined to include a plaque. It was considered that requiring a commemorative plaque would be desirable rather than necessary and therefore could not be justified as a planning condition. However, it was suggested that an informative note could be added to indicate the Committee’s preference and that contact details for relevant organisations could be provided to the applicant.

Members also queried whether the premises licence would be removed. The Chairman clarified that licensing was not part of the planning process and that the licence would lapse once it expired, as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

With no comments, questions or requirements for a vote the appeal decisions were DULY NOTED.