Issue - meetings

(A report by Phil Norman, Service Director – Planning & Strategic Infrastructure)

(A report by Pranali Parikh, Executive Director – Economic Development)

The Committee received a report and presentation from the Heritage Manager on the progress of a suite of heritage documents relating to Boston Borough and South Holland District.

Members noted that the documents, as set out within the appendices to the report, formed part of a comprehensive programme of work to preserve and enhance the historic environment across the partnership area.

The Committee considered the Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (Appendix 1), together with the proposed Conservation Area boundary map (Appendix 2), which provided an updated assessment of character and identified proposed amendments to ensure the continued protection of the area’s special interest.

Members also considered the Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (Appendix 3) and its associated proposed boundary map (Appendix 4), which similarly sought to review and refine the designation to better reflect the character of the area.

The Committee further considered the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, including the Spalding Shop Front Design Guide (Appendix 5), alongside the proposed boundary map (Appendix 6). These documents provided a detailed assessment of Spalding’s historic environment and included guidance aimed at improving the quality and appearance of shop fronts within the town centre.

In addition, Members considered the South East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) Traditional Building Design Guide (Appendix 7), which had been developed as a practical tool to support property owners, developers and officers in understanding and applying appropriate design principles for traditional buildings across both designated and non-designated heritage assets.

The Committee also had regard to the Spalding Heritage Strategy (Appendix 8) and its accompanying Action Plan for Transformative Change (Appendix 9), which set out a framework for heritage-led regeneration, including priorities for improving engagement with local heritage, enhancing the public realm, and supporting economic growth.

Members were advised that the appendices represented the finalised outputs of an extensive programme of work, informed by consultation, and that the documents would be presented to the respective Cabinets of the partner authorities for formal consideration and adoption.

Members welcomed the detailed work undertaken and recognised the importance of protecting and enhancing the area’s historic environment and local heritage.

Discussion was first held in relation to the Boston Conservation Area, specifically the consideration of the Rosegarth (PE21) development. Officers confirmed that this area had been assessed as part of the appraisal process; however, it had not been included within the conservation area boundary at this stage, as it was not considered to contribute sufficiently to the historic character. It was noted that the boundary could be reviewed in future should circumstances change.

The Committee considered the issue of funding in detail. Members sought clarification on the criteria for future funding opportunities and how decisions would be made regarding which projects or properties would be prioritised. Officers advised that funding was typically secured through competitive processes and was generally directed towards schemes delivering wider public benefit, such as publicly accessible buildings. It was acknowledged that this limited the availability of funding for private residential properties.

Further discussion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7