May 2026 Annual Report (Cllr Peter Overton)
Annual Report for Swinderby
Cllr Peter Overton
I would like to thank the community and the Parish Council for their continued support as I enter my eighth year representing this Ward, which is now substantially made up of Witham St Hughs, as it continues to grow, but also includes Swinderby, Thorpe on the Hill and Aubourn. I have been active on some major issues in NKDC in the past year and have given you some notes below on some of those dealt with in the 2025/26 year, and the key areas where I have been particularly involved. Full details can be found on the NKDC website under meetings but I hope this resumé saves you hours of trawling. Please contact me if I can give your further information.
Solar Industrial Complexes in North Kesteven
The situation as of 6th May 2026:
Springwell 3160 acres of which some 1470 acres is classed as BMV (best and most versatile agricultural land).
Covers Blankney, Scopwick, Digby and Navenby Heath. Secretary of State has approved this application but LCC and NKDC have asked for a judicial review to consider possible breach of process in the application. Outcome awaited.
Fosse Green 2400 acres
Covering Thorpe on the Hill, Swinderby, Bassingham, Aubourn, Witham St Hughs and Thurlby.
This proposal has had two hearings in Lincoln at which I made representations, together with many others from the area. Currently being considered by the inspector before referral to the Secretary of State. A decision is expected this summer.
Leoda 2400 acres
Covering Welbourn, Brant Broughton and Leadenham.
Currently paused for review but applicants say they intend to pursue this development, although the time schedule will slip inevitably.
In addition, a number of BESS (battery energy storage systems) sites are proposed.
Navenby National Grid substation under the power lines on Navenby Heath.
A planning application to NKDC is expected this year but not imminently. This development would make the others above possible and opposition is increasing around the District, as detailed below.
North Kesteven District Council, which together with Lincolnshire County Council, is unanimously opposed to large scale industrial development in the open countryside, following my motion to Full Council in 2025, made a technical submission called a Local Impact Report (LIR) to the Fosse Green hearing. It was debated in December at a special meeting in NKDC. I made strong representations against the wording used by the planning officers and was supported by the planning committee. The LIR was subsequently amended to remove the words ‘support in principle’ (the National Grid application), and it was followed by a table produced by the officers demonstrating more negatives than positives to the proposal. We persuaded the officers that those three words were highly misleading, and we commend them for changing the wording before submitting to the inspector, to avoid any confusion.
North Kesteven District Council Meetings
The first Council meeting on 15th May 2025 was largely perfunctory. All appointments to chairs and vice chairs were made without any contest, since they are largely politically determined. The amount of other business was largely restricted to statutory notifications. Eight of the 43 Councillors were not present at the meeting. Sadly, two Sleaford Councillors; Ann Mears and Melody Shanan-Kluth died during the year and precipitated by-elections. We offered condolences to their families and remember that much of a Councillor’s work is voluntary and thank them for their commitment to helping their communities.
New Mayoral Authority
It was announced in Full Council 10th July 2025 that The Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) was now fully up and running with the boards starting to meet. There had also been a change in the political balance at the MCCA as the balance was formed on the three principal authorities and also how the MCCA is constituted. Members could only have seats on a Board if they were a member of a political party and not a group. On this basis, 9 independent members within the three authorities have declared they are now members of a political party (The Independent Network), which had opened up a seat on the Audit Committee for any Member at district level that declares themselves as a member.
Supporting British Business
We agreed to sign the UK Steel Charter and support the sustainable development of steel in the UK, backing economic growth and investment in Scunthorpe and the wider Greater Lincolnshire geography. Members supported the motion, stating it was good to support the local area, and that making high quality steel on British soil was important. I raised concerns that the steel industry is one of the greatest polluters in the UK and in passing the motion we should acknowledge that we have responsibility to use what influence we have to address this situation. It was stated at the October 9th Full Council that the Council is now a confirmed signatory to the UK Steel Charter following the motion passed earlier this year. The Council and its contractors will now prioritise the use of UK-produced steel wherever possible in public projects.
Warmer Homes
A report recommended by the Executive Board was to maximise the consortium bid with Midlands Net Zero Energy Hub for Wave 3 funding for delivery of retrofit works to the Council’s existing housing stock between April 2025 – March 2028, to allow delivery of the next phase of retrofit works in a shorter timescale.
Sharing Democratic Decisions
It was proposed that the constitution should be amended to increase the amount of money that could be authorised for capital projects by the executive board from £1.5 to £3 m. However, the Independent Group proposed the following amendments:
• More Council meetings could be scheduled if decisions need to be made quicker.
• £3 million was a lot of money for five people to decide on. Decision dealing with large amounts of money should be reserved for Council where there are more councillors to take responsibility.
• The amount proposed for Executive Board to be able to make a decision was a lot higher than other councils.
North Scarle Parish Council – an example
It was announced that due to a lack of quorate membership of North Scarle Parish Council the District Council would temporarily appoint the two sitting District Councillors representing that village until the matter was resolved. This is a statutory procedure for Parish Councils. I note that other parish councils on occasions have had similar problems with recruitment of parish councillors.
Change at the Top
Both the Head of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive at NKDC resigned, and replacements are now in place.
More Parking in Sleaford
Executive Board sought approval to draw down £560,000 to progress development of the old East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) site in Sleaford to a car park. The Executive Board considered three options for delivering better parking solutions at the NKDC owned site but this was considered to offer the best balance of cost-effectiveness, control and deliverability. During the debate, Members were supportive of the project and considered it was a good use of reserves.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
At the Full Council meeting on 20th November LGR was the main item. The Government invited councils in two-tier areas to submit proposals for LGR as part of its devolution agenda, with final submissions due by 28 November 2025. Although submission was an executive decision, Council views were sought.
Proposals were offered to reorganise Greater Lincolnshire (excluding existing unitary authorities North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire) into two new unitary authorities: one covering North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland, and the other covering East Lindsey, West Lindsey, the City of Lincoln and Boston. The proposals were praised as compliant with Government criteria and underpinned by robust officer analysis, external specialist input and validated financial modelling. Recent national changes, including the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners, would be reflected in the submission.
Council discussion focused on democratic representation, local identity, financial stability and simplification for residents. While reorganisation was not welcome, the proposal was seen as the best, particularly for the NKDC/SKDC/SHDC unitary. Concerns were raised about centralisation, cultural differences, staff uncertainty and loss of local accountability. One councillor opposed the proposal due to the separation of North Hykeham from the City of Lincoln. At the time of writing in May 2026, it is unclear what the final outcome will be. It may be later in the year before we have a better idea.
Staffing at NKDC
The Council has hired 24 staff for the new food waste collection service and one apprentice, but overall, has still reduced its number of new employees during the year.
Council Tax
The Council Tax calculation follows a prescribed format and resulted in a Tax base of 41,000 for Band D equivalent properties. It was noted that this was an increase of 1000 on last year. The position reflected the delivery of new housing and continued growth across the District, alongside the need to provide additional support through the Council Tax Support Scheme.
At the February 2026 Full Council meeting it was proposed that a balanced budget, reflecting gross expenditure of £65,879,000 less gross income of £44,621,400 resulting in a General Fund net budget requirement for 2026/27 of £21,257,600 be approved. This produced a Council Tax increase of 3.6% from this Council and 3.9% overall, including LCC etc.
Scrutiny
Councillors agreed that Scrutiny should be involved earlier in decision making, and officers are adjusting timelines accordingly. Members accepted that rent increases are required to meet regulatory standards and maintain a balanced Housing Revenue Account for the council’s 4,000 homes, noting that this income is ring-fenced for housing services. They also recognised that the proposals were shaped by extensive tenant engagement across panels, social media, and outreach.
Flourishing Communities Scrutiny
The Senior Manager Lincolnshire Road Partnership attended a meeting to present an update report and presentation on the Community Speed Watch (CSW) initiative and the element to the scheme where Parish Councils could register to carry out speed checks in a controlled and authorised manner within their own parish. This was provided with support and training from Lincolnshire Road Partnership.
The Community Safety Manager and Housing Project Officer (Domestic Abuse) presented an overview of the work being done at a Lincolnshire and district level in respect of violence against women and girls (VAWAG). The report included a national update including the focus and commitment on prevention, supporting victims, pursuing perpetrators and building a stronger system. As well as a Lincolnshire update including the work of the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Lincolnshire Police, the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership and North Kesteven District Council (NKDC).
Lincolnshire Police
The Chairman provided Members with an update on Police and Crime Commissioner attending a future Committee meeting. It was noted that the PCC was held to account by the Police and Crime Panel and not by District Councils or the County Council. However, the PCC did usually offer to attend each of the District Councils once a year to present the work being undertaken to deliver the Police and Crime Plan, to ask Districts for their support on certain matters, and to provide an opportunity for them to raise any issues/concerns with him.
The PCC does however provide quarterly reports to the Panel summarising the work undertaken by him and the office to deliver the Plan, which were available on the LCC website should Members wish to access them.
At the March 2026 meeting, Lincolnshire Police reported that long term underfunding had restricted planning, reduced officer numbers and strained core functions, though a new three year settlement now enables gradual rebuilding toward 1,190 officers. To maintain resilience during this transition, the temporary Glide Path model has redeployed neighbourhood officers into response, CID and vulnerable persons work, temporarily affecting North Kesteven but expected to ease as new recruits complete training. PCSO investment is increasing local coverage, supporting visibility in rural areas where crime demand remains comparatively low.
The force emphasised that redeployments were temporary and proportionate; neighbourhood capacity would recover as officer numbers rise; PCSOs remain key community contacts; under reporting affects resource allocation; and new officers require lengthy training. Some frequently raised issues—such as speeding, parking and dog fouling—were noted as not always policing matters.
Climate Action
The Committee noted opportunities to strengthen links between climate action and areas such as renewable energy, biodiversity, transport and active travel, recognising the wider benefits for emissions reduction, health and cross organisational collaboration. Members also welcomed ongoing behaviour change work with residents, businesses and young people beyond the formal Action Plan.
Swinderby Planning Applications
Reference Number: 25/0513/HOUS Approved
Proposal: Single storey extension and alterations to dwelling
Location: Green Lane Farm Green Lane Swinderby
Applicant:Mrs S Troop and Mr R Hickson
Reference Number: 25/0225/LBC Approved
Proposal: Single storey extension and alterations to existing dwelling
Location: Otter Barn Newark Road Swinderby
Applicant:Mr and Mrs D Laird
Reference Number: 25/0427/HOUS Approved
Proposal: Erection of first floor front extension, two storey rear extension, a 2.1m brick
wall in the rear garden, 1.2m sliding gate to front, along with the addition of solar panels
and other external alterations
Location: Elwood House 8 High Street Swinderby
Applicant: Mr Adam Wilson
Application Reference: 25/0738/PNND Approved
Proposal: Application under Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order for prior approval for change of use from agricultural implement store to a dwelling (C3).
Location: The Bungalow The Piggeries Cow Lane
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Thomas Tunstall
Planning Application Reference: 25/0738/PNND
Proposal: Application under Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
Development) Order for prior approval for change of use from agricultural implement store to
a dwelling (C3) together with single storey rear extension
Location: The Bungalow The Piggeries Cow Lane
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Thomas Tunstall
Planning Application Reference: 25/0918/LBC Approved
Proposal: Erection of two storey side extension
Location: The Cottage 12 High Street Swinderby
Applicant: Mr Andrew Swift
Reference Number: 25/0504/VARCON Approved
Proposal: Application to vary Condition 4 (Approved plans - to allow replacement of car
port on South elevation with attached pitched roof single garage) attached to planning
permission 23/1044/HOUS - Demolition of existing garage and erection of single-storey
side/rear extension, addition of rear dormer extension to create first floor accommodation
and erection of a carport to south elevation
Location: 65 Station Road Swinderby Lincoln
Applicant: Colin Spencer
Planning Application Reference: 25/0639/HOUS Approved
Proposal: Installation of ground mounted solar panels to the rear of the property
Location: Green Heart 4 High Street Swinderby
Applicant: Mr Robert Dunning
Planning Application Reference: 25/1337/PNH Approved
Proposal: Single storey rear extension 6.0m in total length from the original wall, eaves
height of 3.0m and maximum height of 3.0m
Location: 2 Summer Terrace Eagle Road Swinderby
Applicant: Mrs K Cornwell
Reference Number: 26/0222/LBC
Proposal: Amendment to LBC ref 25/0225/LBC (Single storey extension and alterations to
existing dwelling) - notably replacement of approved window on west elevation with a new
glazed door and associated room change from Cloak / Shower Room to Boot Room.
Location: Otter Barn Newark Road Swinderby
Applicant:Mr and Mrs D Laird
Planning Application Reference: 25/1562/FUL Approved
Proposal: Change of use of detached garden room to salon (retrospective)
Location: 23 Manor Road Swinderby Lincoln
Applicant: Mr Matt Hunt
Planning Application Reference: 26/0305/HOUS Approved
Proposal: Single storey rear extension to existing house and extension and conversion of
existing garage to create annex
Location: Scoles House 48 Station Road Swinderby
Applicant: Ms & Mr Coffey and Handley
Planning Application Reference: 26/0105/CCC Pending
Proposal: For construction of a satellite feedstock storage clamp site facility including a new access from wood lane, digestate lagoon, attenuation pond, landscaping, security fencing and associated infrastructure works
Location: Land Off Wood Lane Swinderby
Applicant: Lincolnshire County Council
Reference Number: 26/0204/LBC Approved
Proposal: Internal alterations to form supported living units and communal lounge / dining/ kitchen space.
Location: The Old Vicarage 61 High Street Swinderby
Applicant:Mr Shaun Collins
Reference Number: 25/0237/VARCON Decision awaited
Proposal: Application to vary condition 25 (approved plans) to allow for the substitution of
the conversion of the existing (retained) building for a purpose built building to contain
shops and offices, planning permission 22/1376/FUL - Erection of 132 dwellings with
associated outbuildings/garages and landscaping/open space and affordable housing and
including conversion of existing (retained) building to shop and offices.
Location: Former Produce World Site Moor Lane Swinderby
Applicant:Mr. D Newell
Additional Items
Objection to planning application 25/1612/FUL relating to the proposed satellite feedstock storage clamp facility and associated infrastructure on Haddington Lane, Thorpe on the Hill. This falls outside Swinderby Parish Council area but has received a number of complaints from various sources and is expected to be brought forward to the planning committee at NKDC in due course.
New Sowerby Housing Estate
The definition of 'Persons having a Local Connection to Swinderby’ in relation to the occupancy of the new Housing has been widened to achieve a more satisfactory outcome and the current proposal is as follows:
6 First Homes
20 Discount Market Sales
The timeline is available to view online, uploaded to the original application, 22/1376/FUL.
Regarding a complaint from a resident over flooding on Moor Lane, the following reply was received from planning that I think was helpful:
A full surface water scheme was designed and approved as part of the application based on the advice of LCC highways/lead local flood authority. The highways are intended to be drained via an attenuation pond located in the North East corner of the site, the attenuated flows being finally discharged to the drainage ditch.
A very small section of the bell mouths will run in the direction of Moor Lane, albeit that gullies are located very close within the bell mouths themselves. I would point out that this should not materially worsen the historic situation because a similar arrangement pertained with Produce World, which had significant hard standing areas and access out onto Moor Lane.
A clue might be with the reference to two of the gullies being block. Inevitably mud does enter the highway on any construction site, which is partly why we condition construction management plans. If the site is causing blockages LCC can action that but in the meantime, I will contact the developer and ask them to ensure any new drains are kept clear of debris and work correctly.