Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutes (if any).

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Anton Dani and Lina Savickiene.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

Standing declarations of interest were received for all members of the Council who are also members of:

The South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee:

Councillors Bedford, Pierpoint, Scoot and Welberry. Councillor Alison Austin acts as a substitute.

The Internal Drainage Boards: Councillor Bedford, Evans, Rylott, Scoot and Welberry.

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting on 24^th March 2026 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday 28^th May 2026

No questions were received.

Application type: Major – Full Planning Permission

Proposal: Proposed installation and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and other ancillary and associated infrastructure

Site: Land east of Bicker Fen substation, Bicker Fen, Boston

Application Type: S73 – Major

Proposal: Proposed installation and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and other ancillary and associated infrastructure B/25/0224

Site: Land East of Bicker Fen substation, Bicker Fen, Boston

The Chairman introduced the application and invited officers to present the report. The Senior Planning Officer presented the application, advising that it sought planning permission for the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with an anticipated capacity of approximately 1.2 gigawatts, together with associated infrastructure including up to 1,056 battery units, a substation, access works, landscaping and biodiversity enhancements. The proposal was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

Members were advised that the application had been referred to Planning Committee due to the number of objections received. The Officer outlined the site context, noting its proximity to the existing Bicker Fen substation and the concentration of energy infrastructure within the surrounding area. The rationale for the location was explained as being driven by the requirement for close proximity to grid connection infrastructure.

The Committee was informed that, although the development would result in the temporary loss of agricultural land for a 40-year period, a condition would secure the decommissioning of the site and restoration of the land to its former use. The Officer highlighted that the proposal incorporated biodiversity net gain and mitigation measures, including landscaping and screening.

In respect of highways, Members were advised that a Transport Statement had been submitted and assessed by Lincolnshire County Council Highways, who had raised no objection subject to conditions, including works to widen sections of the local road network. Construction traffic would utilise the established haul road network to minimise impacts on nearby settlements. In relation to residential amenity, a Noise Impact Assessment had been undertaken. Environmental Health had raised no objection, subject to conditions requiring mitigation measures to be implemented.

The Officer concluded that the proposal accorded with relevant local and national planning policies, which provided strong support for renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure, and recommended approval subject to the conditions set out within the report.

The Committee then heard from three registered speakers.

Councillor Paul Locke (objector) addressed the Committee and raised strong objections to the proposal. He argued that the development would result in the permanent loss of best and most versatile agricultural land and represented an industrialisation of the countryside. He expressed concern regarding the cumulative impact of multiple energy developments in the Bicker Fen area, stating that these had not been adequately assessed. He further raised concerns regarding safety, regulatory uncertainty and the absence of a specific national regulatory framework for large-scale battery storage systems. He concluded that the proposal conflicted with both national and local planning policy and should be refused.

Mr Chris McKerrow (on behalf of the applicant) spoke in support of the application. He stated that the proposal had been carefully designed and supported by technical assessments covering noise, highways, landscape and safety impacts. He emphasised the locational requirement for the development to be adjacent to existing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.