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.

        Meeting of the Planning Committee held on 10 December 2025, previously circulated.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 10 December 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.

Councillor T. Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 6a, application WL/2024/00898, in that he had previously visited the site and spoken with the applicant in a previous role. He confirmed he had had no further involvement and would remain as a voting Member of the Committee.

Councillor P. Morris declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 6a, application WL/2024/00898, in that he was the Ward Member for the application and was registered to speak as Ward Member; he stated he would not vote against 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/

It was reported that the Government had launched a consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system on 16 December 2025. The consultation was scheduled to run until 10 March 2026. It was noted that the consultation sought views on a revised version of the Framework and that a draft document had been published alongside the consultation. Both documents were to be read together. The consultation also sought views on data centres, on-site energy generation, standardised inputs and viability assessments, and reforming site thresholds.

It was explained that the consultation comprised 225 questions, excluding sub-questions, which increased the total to approximately 280. The scale of the consultation was acknowledged, and it was confirmed that Officers were continuing to review the content. Key headlines identified to-date were outlined. It was noted that the first Framework had been published in 2012, with the most recent iteration issued in December 2024, which remained current for decision-making. The draft document represented a complete rewrite rather than incremental changes, increasing its length from 69 pages to 100 pages, with a further 25 pages of technical annexes proposed.

The updates had been provided by the Development Management Team Manager, who had shared a presentation on screen for Members to review. The draft introduced a clear distinction between plan-making policies and national decision-making policies. It was highlighted that plan-making policies should not influence decisions on planning applications, and local plan policies should not duplicate or modify national decision-making policies. When the new document became effective, existing local development plan policies inconsistent with national decision-making policies were to be given very limited weight.

Further details had been provided on proposed changes, including the presumption in favour of development within settlements, revised approaches to rural development, housing categories, viability assessments, and density standards. It was noted that substantial weight was proposed for economic benefits of commercial development and for energy efficiency improvements. The consultation also addressed biodiversity requirements, heritage considerations, and climate-related policies.

It was confirmed that responses would be coordinated across Central Lincolnshire, with input from local plan teams and key Officers, and that Member engagement would be sought. Links to the consultation documents and details of a Planning Advisory Service webinar scheduled for 21 January 2026 were to be provided. At the conclusion of the updates, the Chairman requested that the presentation also be shared with all Members of West Lindsey District Council.

The Officer reported that updates had been made to the planning application for the change of use of land for the siting of 90 static caravans and associated infrastructure, including one fishing pond and one ornamental pond. It was noted that the description of the development had been amended to provide greater clarity and that this revised description had been agreed with the applicant.

It was further reported that the Section 106 Agreement had been completed and signed. Consequently, the recommendation was amended to grant planning permission with a completed Section 106 Agreement to secure biodiversity net gain, rather than being subject to completion of the agreement.

The Officer confirmed that the application was for 90 units on the existing visitor accommodation site. A block plan had been displayed showing the proposed layout, including ponds, a wildflower area, and recreational space. Members were informed that a site plan provided by the applicant had been reviewed during a recent visit to the site by Officers prior to Christmas. It was noted that part of the site, shown in blue on the plan, had not been developed in accordance with the approved plans, which had included a dog bone-shaped lake. The north pond was under construction but not yet in use.

Reference was made to the history of the site as set out in the Officer’s report. It was confirmed that there were no public rights of way within the application site, as verified by Lincolnshire County Council’s Rights of Way mapping. Photographs of the site were shown, illustrating excavation works undertaken for archaeological trial trenching and the storage of excavated sand on the application site. It was noted that the sand had been moved from the areas where ponds had been dug and had not been removed from the site. Further photographs showed newly excavated areas and access routes to the north pond.

The Officer concluded the presentation, was thanked by the Chairman who proceeded to invite the first speaker to take their seat.

A representation was made by one of the Directors and owners of Watermill Leisure Park. Appreciation was expressed for the opportunity to address the Committee. It was explained that the land had been purchased in 2020 when the site had been in a poor condition, with individuals living illegally in old static holiday homes and touring caravans. The vision for the site had been to create a five-star accredited holiday park that would contribute positively to the local area, infrastructure, and economy.

It was reported that the site had been developed within its existing boundaries and had not extended onto adjoining farmland. A strong relationship with the neighbouring farmer was noted. The park operated under a twelve-month licence, and strict terms and conditions were in place to prevent permanent occupation and subletting. It was stated that customers were required to maintain their primary residence elsewhere and were registered with healthcare providers at their home address.

Reference was made to a previous Parish Council meeting in 2023 where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

NOTE: Councillor Morris entered the meeting at 7.11pm.

With no comments or questions the determination of appeals were DULY NOTED.

NOTE: The Committee entered closed session at 19:16

Members discussed the Planning Enforcement Report, with reference made to the earlier debate on enforcement. The importance of reviewing the report thoroughly was stressed, and Members expressed their agreement.

With no further comments, questions, or requirement for a vote, the Planning Enforcement Report was DULY NOTED.