Agenda and draft minutes

The meeting was opened by the Democratic and Civic Officer, who explained that, as there was currently no appointed Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee, the first item of business was the appointment of a Chairman for the meeting. Proposals were duly sought.

A Member of the Committee proposed that Councillor Fleetwood be appointed Chairman. The proposal was duly seconded.

As no further nominations were received, and having been voted upon, it was

RESOLVED that Councillor Fleetwood would be appointed the Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

A Member of the Committee stated that, following the previous Full Council meeting, it had been understood that only one round of Committee Meetings would have taken place prior to the next Full Council meeting. The Member of the Committee raised concerns about continuity in committee membership.

In response, the Chairman acknowledged the point and noted that, due to the volume and time sensitive nature of planning applications, the Planning Committee operated on a more frequent cycle than other committees. It was explained that while most committees typically met four to five times per year, the Planning Committee often convened eleven to twelve times annually, depending on the level of business to be considered.

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 23 July 2025, previously circulated.

With no comments, and having been proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday, 23 July 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.

In relation to application WL/2024/00016, Councillor Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to his employment with Sir Edward Leigh MP, who he explained had commented on the application. It was noted that he had not taken part in any conversations with Sir Edward Leigh regarding the application, nor had he provided any administrative support in relation to the matter as part of his role. Councillor Smith confirmed that they would approach the application with an open mind and would participate in the meeting as a Member of the Committee.

In relation to application WL/2024/00016, Councillor Barrett declared a non-pecuniary interest that the site abutted his ward, encompassing the areas of Nettleham and Riseholme. It was noted that contact had been received from members of the public regarding the application. Councillor Barrett confirmed that no views had been expressed and that all enquiries had been appropriately handled. Councillor Barrett provided assurance that he approached the application with an open mind and would participate in the meeting accordingly.

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 Committee was advised by the Development Management Team Manager that no significant planning updates had been issued by central government during since the last meeting of the Planning Committee.

At a local level, it was reported that the Dunholme Neighbourhood Plan had undergone a review and a referendum was held on 24 July 2025. Public support was noted, with approximately 80% voting in favour of adopting the revised plan. It was confirmed that the plan would carry full weight, subject to ratification at the meeting of Full Council scheduled for 8 September 2025.

Additionally, it was noted that the Saxilby with Ingleby Neighbourhood Plan was currently under review, with a consultation period open until 22 August 2025.

No further updates were provided.

The Development Management Team Leader provided an update to the Committee prior to presenting the application. It was noted that paragraph 114 of the National Planning Policy Framework had not been referenced in the original report and was now quoted as follows:

“Planning policies and decisions should recognise the importance of providing adequate overnight lorry parking facilities, taking into account any local shortages to reduce the risk of parking in locations that lack proper facilities or could cause a nuisance. Proposals for new or expanded distribution centres should make provision for sufficient lorry parking to cater for their use.”

The Development Management Team Leader advised that this policy granted positive weight to the application; however, it was not considered sufficient to outweigh the negative impacts identified in the report, including the proposed presence of 31 heavy goods vehicles within the designated green wedge.

Further clarification was provided regarding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). It was noted that the reported 10.96% increase had been questioned by the applicant, who cited a figure of 15.06%. This was acknowledged as a potential benefit, though again not sufficient to overcome the adverse impacts of the application.

An update was also provided in relation to questions raised by Members at briefing held for Planning Committee, during which concerns had been raised regarding vehicle movements to and from the proposed site. A response from the Local Highways Authority was shared, stating that vehicle swept path analysis had been undertaken to demonstrate that the manoeuvre could be safely executed by the largest vehicles expected to visit the site. It was noted that, during peak times, delays may occur for HGVs attempting to turn right, but this had been accounted for within the internal site layout. It was further advised that rerouting such vehicles would result in an 8km round trip via the Lincolnshire Showground roundabout, impacting all site visitors.

The Development Management Team Leader then proceeded to present the application, once completed the Chairman thanked the Development Management Team Leader for his presentation and noted there were three registered speakers for this application.

The Chairman invited both Councillor Sue North and Councillor Neil Foster to take their seats as Parish Council Representatives as the allocated 5 minutes would be shared between them.

Councillor Neil Foster addressed the Committee on behalf of Burton-by-Lincoln and Riseholme Parish Councils. He acknowledged the presence of members of the public and expressed appreciation for their attendance.

Councillor Foster stated that the application had caused considerable concern and distress among local residents over a two-year period. Support was expressed for the Officer recommendation to refuse planning permission, with reference made to the anticipated harm to the character of Lincoln, the designated green wedge, and the amenity of nearby residents. Councillor Foster urged the Committee to consider highway safety as an additional reason for refusal, citing previous objections from Lincolnshire County Council and concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed junction to a heavily trafficked and high-speed roundabout.

The potential requirement to reduce the speed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

The Committee considered an application for the installation of a projector on the redeveloped site of the former Lindsey Centre, facing into the marketplace. The projector, approximately the size of a shoebox, would display symbolic imagery associated with the town’s regeneration.

Councillor Dobbie declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to the application, noting that he had been present during discussions at the Town Council. He confirmed that he would consider the application with an open mind and take into account the additional information presented at the meeting. He raised concerns about potential misuse of the projector for political advertising and queried whether restrictions could be applied.

It was clarified by the Lead Officer that the application concerned the physical installation only, and any future use for advertising would be subject to separate regulation under advertisement control.

Members expressed support for the proposal, noting its positive symbolism and contribution to Gainsborough’s identity.

Having been proposed and seconded, upon taking the vote it was agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

Recommended Conditions:

Conditions stating the time by which the development must be commenced:

1.    The development hereby permitted must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  To conform with Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Conditions which apply or require matters to be agreed before the development commenced:

NONE

Conditions which apply or are to be observed during the course of the development:

2.    With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved must be carried out in accordance with the following proposed drawings:

·       J1808-00146 Rev B dated 27^th January 2022 – Elevation Plans

·       WT150WR Projector Specification

The works must be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and in any other approved documents forming part of the application.

Reason:  To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework, local policy S1, S53, S57 and S58 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan 2023 and NPP6, NPP7, NPP18 and NPP19 of the Gainsborough Town Neighbourhood Plan.

Conditions which apply or relate to matters which are to be observed following completion of the development:

3.    The projector and cabling hereby approved must be removed from the building within 3 months of its use no longer being required.  Any damage to the building must be repaired to match the existing appearance of the brick and mortar.

Reason:  To ensure the projector and cabling is removed in a timely manner once its use has become obsolete and to ensure the appearance of the building is retained to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework, local policy S53, S57 and S58 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan 2023 and NPP6, NPP7, NPP18 and NPP19 of the Gainsborough Town Neighbourhood Plan.

There were no determination of appeals.