28/11/2024
Central Lincolnshire’s groundbreaking local plan recognised for excellence.
A transformative plan shaping the future of development in Central Lincolnshire through to 2040 - and ambitiously setting a path toward achieving net zero carbon has been recognised as one of the best in England.
The Central Lincolnshire Local Plan was shortlisted in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category in the 2024 Awards for Planning Excellence.
The plan provides an overarching suite of policies that inform planning decisions and infrastructure investments across City of Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey, targeting energy efficient buildings, renewable energy, adaptation and resilience to climate change, and much more.
In particular, the plan was noted in its forward-thinking approach to tackling climate change and pushing industry standards in sustainable development. This ambition and rigour drew the praise of judges at the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Covering the three areas, the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan sets out where housing and businesses should be located across an 820 square mile area and identifies a list of requirements for what new development will need to achieve to be granted planning permission.
Chairman of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee, Cllr Trevor Young said: “Cllr Young said: “While we may not have taken home the award, we’re immensely proud of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and the forward-thinking approach it represents.
“This plan reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and our ambitious vision for achieving net zero carbon across Central Lincolnshire.
Through rigorous policies that prioritise energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resilience to climate change, we are setting a strong foundation for a sustainable future.
We remain committed to driving positive change for our communities, leading the way in responsible development, and building a healthier environment for generations to come.”
Naomi Tweddle, City of Lincoln Council Leader, said: “Being shortlisted for this award is an incredible recognition of all that the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan has achieved.
“This acknowledgement highlights the hard work and ambitious vision that went into creating a plan focused on sustainable growth and net-zero targets for our communities.
“I am incredibly proud of our team and partners for their dedication to shaping a brighter, more resilient future for Central Lincolnshire. This recognition encourages us to continue pushing boundaries and leading by example."
Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council added: “It would have been nice for the excellence of our Local Plan making to have been awarded, of course it would, but for it to have been recognised through the shortlisting itself vindicates the excellence, foresight and vision that has gone in to creating it.
“It was named the East Midlands’ Best Plan by the Royal Town Planning Institute in July and I think everyone associated with it regards it as a truly excellent Plan that is already living up to its promise of delivering a sustainable future for Central Lincolnshire through sound, solid and well-developed policies.
“Through it we are integrating climate change considerations and positive environmental practices into our planning decisions, ensuring that new development does not harm our environment. That’s what matters and that’s what we’re doing thanks to the ambition of everyone involved in the Plan’s development, evolution and review.”
For more information about the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan visit: https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/central-lincolnshire
