Agenda item

Preservation of Fenland Landscapes and Recognition of Boston Borough as a Critical Food Producing Area

Meeting of Full Council, Monday 3rd March 2025 6.30 pm (Item 76.)

We the undersigned hereby request that the following Motion be submitted to the meeting of the Council on the 3^rd of March in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14:-

Motion: Preservation of Fenland Landscapes and Recognition of Boston Borough as a Critical Food Producing Area

This Council notes:

1) The unique and valuable characteristics of the Fenland landscape within the Borough of Boston, which not only provides a distinct natural heritage, but also contributes significantly to local biodiversity and the identity of our area.

2) The critical role that Boston Borough plays as a key food-producing area, supporting both local and national food security, and contributing significantly to the agricultural economy.

3) The potential impacts of national significant infrastructure projects planned for our area, specifically those related to energy generation and distribution at significant scale, which threaten to distribute and alter our valuable landscape.

This Council believes:

That it is essential to preserve the Fenland landscape to maintain its ecological balance, scenic beauty, and historical significance.

That protecting our agricultural lands is vital for the continued prosperity of local farmers and the broader agricultural industry, ensuring ongoing food production capacity and the nationally significant role that our area plays in feeding the country.

That any development or infrastructure project within our district must be carefully planned and executed to minimise adverse impacts on our landscape and agricultural productivity.

This Council:

Urges the relevant national authorities and infrastructure project planners to recognise the importance of the Fenland landscape and Boston Borough's role as a food-producing area.

Advocates for the implementation of mitigation strategies to minimise the visual and ecological impact of infrastructure developments, including the consideration of alternative technologies and routing options.

Encourages local stakeholders and residents, to engage in consultation processes to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the planning and development processes.

Recognises initiatives that promote the sustainable development of energy infrastructure while balancing the need to preserve our natural and agricultural heritage.

Supports collaboration with other local authorities, including our partners within the South and East Lincolnshire Council's Partnership, to present a united front in the protection of our landscapes and agricultural interests.

By passing this motion, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the Fenland landscape and ensuring the sustainability and productivity of Boston Borough as a vital food-producing area for the benefit of current and future generations.

Proposer: Councillor Claire Rylott

Seconder: Councillor Stuart Evans

Minutes:

The following Motion was received:

Preservation of Fenland Landscapes and Recognition of Boston Borough as a Critical Food Producing Area

This Council:

· Urges the relevant national authorities and infrastructure project planners to recognise the importance of the Fenland landscape and Boston Borough's role as a food-producing area.

· Advocates for the implementation of mitigation strategies to minimise the visual and ecological impact of infrastructure developments, including the consideration of alternative technologies and routing options.

· Encourages local stakeholders and residents, to engage in consultation processes to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the planning and development processes.

· Recognises initiatives that promote the sustainable development of energy infrastructure while balancing the need to preserve our natural and agricultural heritage.

· Supports collaboration with other local authorities, including our partners within the South and East Lincolnshire Council's Partnership, to present a united front in the protection of our landscapes and agricultural interests.

· By passing this motion, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the Fenland landscape and ensuring the sustainability and productivity of Boston Borough as a vital food-producing area for the benefit of current and future generations.

Councillor Claire Rylott outlined the context of the Motion. She indicated that Boston Borough was faced with the threat of multiple Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), which if granted, would remove colossal swathes of land from crop production. Boston Borough was classified as the best and most versatile land in the country, something that should not be understated. It was crucial that as a local authority, Boston Borough Council should present a united front to make its stance on NSIPs clear.

The motion was moved by Councillor Claire Rylott and seconded by Councillor Stuart Evans.

Members discussed the motion and the following comments were made:

· The role of members on the Planning Committee was considered. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that the motion was a general motion and that members of the Planning Committee could participate in the debate on the Motion provided they did not speak about specific planning applications, spoke in general terms and determined future applications with an open mind and in accordance with existing policies.

· Councillor John Baxter confirmed that the Council had appointed an NSIP project manager, with responsibility for looking at NSIPs. He advised that the Assistant Director – Planning & Strategic Infrastructure had decided that such projects would be considered by the Planning Committee rather than by officers.

· The impact of national policies on local communities was considered by several members, in addition to the absence of a financial benefit to the Council from NSIPs.

RESOLVED:

That this Council:

Urges the relevant national authorities and infrastructure project planners to recognise the importance of the Fenland landscape and Boston Borough's role as a food-producing area;

Encourages local stakeholders and residents, to engage in consultation processes to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the planning and development processes;

Recognises initiatives that promote the sustainable development of energy infrastructure while balancing the need to preserve our natural and agricultural heritage;