Belchford and Fulletby have formalised a long-term Neighbourhood Development Plan that will guide growth and land use across both villages through to 2041. The plan secured approval in a recent local referendum, with East Lindsey District Council confirming strong support among participating residents.
Cllr Tom Ashton, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for planning, said: “Creating a Neighbourhood Plan is a huge milestone for any community, and particularly so for smaller villages such as Belchford and Fulletby, and the successful local referendum shows that this has genuine local support.
“I am especially proud to have supported this process through East Lindsey’s Planning Policy Committee, particularly in ensuring the open space which means so much to people locally is properly protected.”
The document now forms part of the statutory planning framework for East Lindsey. It introduces policies intended to guide residential and commercial development to protect the villages’ rural setting. It outlines parameters for settlement density, building design, and site suitability to maintain alignment with the Lincolnshire Wolds’ status as a National Landscape and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Key elements include measures to safeguard historic assets, maintain open views, and retain designated green spaces. The plan also highlights the need for smaller homes to address local housing needs and sets expectations for low-impact development through a Dark Skies Policy that aims to limit light pollution.
Several community priorities have been identified to support amenity improvements and local sustainability initiatives. With the plan now adopted, the council will apply its guidance when assessing planning applications and shaping the area’s wider development strategy.
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