Issue - meetings

To consider the Spalding Heritage Strategy 2026-2035 and South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide (report of the Service Director for Planning enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director – Planning which considered the Spalding Heritage Strategy 2026-2035 and South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide.

The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning presented two related heritage documents for Cabinet’s consideration.

The first document was the South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide. The second comprised a suite of three documents collectively forming the Spalding Heritage Strategy.

It was explained that both proposals had undergone full public consultation and that comments received during the consultation process had been considered and, where appropriate, incorporated into the final documents.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide had been developed as a direct action arising from the Holbeach and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans, as well as the Spalding Heritage Strategy. The guide had also been produced following the establishment of a shared conservation team across the South and East Lincolnshire Partnership in March 2025, helping to ensure a consistent approach to conservation advice across the area.

Members were informed that the guide had already been approved by Boston Borough Council’s Cabinet and was due to be considered by East Lindsey District Council’s Executive Board.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted that the document had deliberately been titled the Traditional Buildings Design Guide, rather than a conservation area guide, because historic buildings and heritage assets exist throughout the district and are not confined solely to designated conservation areas.

The guide encouraged a holistic and sustainable approach to the maintenance, repair and adaptation of traditional buildings, while signposting readers to more detailed technical information where required. It had been simplified following consultation feedback and included guidance on matters such as biodiversity, retrofit measures and building regulations to ensure these considerations were addressed from the outset of projects rather than as an afterthought.

It was noted that the guide could be used by officers, building owners, agents and applicants seeking practical guidance before engaging with planning or conservation officers. Technical drawings and a glossary had also been included to improve accessibility and understanding.

Turning to the Spalding Heritage Strategy, the Portfolio Holder explained that it had been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Spalding Reconnected Project (2022–2025). The three strategy documents identified key themes and priorities for the town’s heritage over the next ten years.

The strategy demonstrated how a focus on heritage could support wider regeneration objectives by creating an environment in which residents could take pride, improving the health and vitality of the town centre, enhancing wellbeing, and strengthening connections with nature and the local community.

Members were advised that many of the identified priorities had also been reflected within Spalding’s wider Pride in Place ambitions. A number of actions had already been progressed, including townscape assessments, building improvement initiatives, and the production of the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and associated design guides.

DECISION:

1.    That Cabinet approves the Spalding Heritage Strategy 2026-2035, Action Plan and Theory  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16