Decision deferred on 3,500-home Grimsby West Masterplan
New wetland plan could transform flood-prone Horncastle site
Plans are underway to create a new wetland nature reserve on the outskirts of Horncastle. The proposed site, known as Harrison’s Holme, sits south of the A158 between the River Bain and River Waring—an area that frequently floods during winter.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and East Mercia Rivers Trust are leading the project, which aims to turn the land into a thriving wetland habitat supporting a wide range of wildlife. The scheme, still awaiting a planning application, would be funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Anglian Water’s Get River Positive initiative.
If approved, major groundwork is expected to take place over the winter months. Plans include reshaping the riverbanks to encourage natural flooding, excavating shallow ponds and scrapes, and creating swales and bunds to manage water flow. Native planting would follow to enhance biodiversity and stabilise the banks.
The design includes dedicated refuges for amphibians and insects and an elevated viewing area with seating so visitors can observe the reserve without disturbing it.
Volunteers will be invited to help with planting and habitat creation once construction begins. A public drop-in session will be held at Banovallum House in Horncastle on 16 October to share details and gather feedback on the plans.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/rujin
Doctor Who & The Archers stars step on the Plowright Theatre stage in Sherlock Holmes & The Sign of Four
Britons lean on tech over intuition for major life choices
New research suggests most Britons now turn to technology rather than gut instinct when faced with big decisions. The survey of 2,000 adults found that seven in ten rely on digital tools such as search engines, AI, or social media to guide life-changing choices.
Nearly half admitted they had ignored their intuition in the past and later regretted it, particularly in areas like relationships, finances, and careers. More than a third use technology for major decisions several times each month, while over half look online for health advice, and others for money or work-related matters.
The findings also revealed limited awareness of the “gut-brain connection,” with two-thirds of participants being unfamiliar with the concept. Most respondents reported using technology to influence their everyday choices, ranging from travel and parenting to food and spending.
When asked about their well-being, many respondents reported taking small steps to improve their digestive health, including staying hydrated, being physically active, and increasing their fibre intake. The study was commissioned by Arla Cultura, a dairy brand focused on gut health, as part of its effort to highlight the link between wellbeing and instinctive decision-making.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/fizkesContract awarded for major Lincolnshire Housing Partnership retrofit programme
Planning application submitted for North Lincolnshire green hydrogen production facility
Applying for home energy-saving measures in Lincoln
Making improvements to a home can increase comfort and reduce utility bills. For Lincoln residents, various programmes and steps exist to help with energy-saving upgrades. These measures range from simple insulation to more advanced systems like heat pumps. The process of applying for assistance or permission to install these features may seem complex. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This guide outlines the key steps and considerations for Lincoln homeowners interested in making their properties more energy efficient.
Assess your home’s energy needs
Not all homes need the same upgrades, and identifying the areas with the most impact will help streamline the application process.
A professional energy audit can show where heat is lost, how efficient your appliances are, and whether renewable systems could help. Some providers even offer free or low-cost audits. You can also do a basic check yourself by looking for drafts, uneven heating, or high energy bills. You can then use online tools to estimate potential savings from upgrades such as insulation or solar panels.
By starting with a clear picture of your home’s current performance, you can make informed choices about which applications to pursue.
Explore sustainable energy programmes and incentives
Residents in Lincoln can access different schemes designed to improve home energy performance. These often include grants, rebates, or subsidies for insulation, efficient heating systems, and renewable energy installations. Local councils, national government initiatives, and community-led organisations work together to make these measures more accessible.
One key national option is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4). Households can apply for ECO4 in Lincoln to receive support for major energy-saving improvements. However, not all families will qualify. Eligibility usually depends on income, property type, or the home’s current energy performance. Checking the requirements in advance helps avoid delays and ensures the scheme is the right fit for your situation.
Determine planning and building requirements
Applying for energy-saving measures may involve securing permission from the local council. While many improvements fall under permitted development, others require formal approval.
For example, loft insulation rarely requires permission, but solid wall insulation often does, especially in conservation areas. Meanwhile, rooftop solar panels are usually allowed, though ground-mounted systems typically need planning permission.
Always check with Lincoln City Council’s planning department before submitting applications. Doing so can save time and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Prepare an application
Once you have identified the right measures and confirmed which permissions are necessary, the next stage is preparing the actual application. Check the table below for a quick overview:
|
For grants and incentives |
For planning permission |
|
Gather proof of income if applying for means-tested schemes |
Submit detailed plans or diagrams of the proposed work |
|
Collect recent energy bills to demonstrate current consumption |
Include technical specifications, particularly for renewable systems |
|
Provide quotes from certified contractors; most programmes require work to be carried out by approved installers |
Pay the applicable application fee and await feedback from the council |
It’s worth noting that applications can sometimes be returned for missing details. Taking the time to provide complete, accurate information will increase approval speed.
Completing the work and claiming benefits
Once installation begins, keep detailed records. Many programmes require photographs, invoices, and compliance certificates to release payments or rebates. After the work is complete:
- Submit required documents promptly to the grant provider or utility company.
- Schedule any necessary inspections, such as building control sign-offs.
- Retain warranties and manuals for future use or resale of the property.
Some incentives also require homeowners to share post-installation energy bills to demonstrate savings.
Final thoughts
Applying for home energy-saving measures in Lincoln may feel overwhelming at first. But when you break it into clear steps, it becomes more manageable. With the proper preparation, residents like you can access financial support, meet planning requirements, and find trusted installers. The result? Lower bills, warmer homes, and more sustainable living.
Shh! PR champions female-led businesses with bold new mission to close the visibility gap
- Tailored media strategies designed for female entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers.
- Proactive positioning of clients as thought leaders across mainstream and trade outlets.
- Long-term campaigns that secure not just mentions, but influence and recognition.
Celebrate Christmas with Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance: festive events that make a difference
New Skegness College welcomes first students to £14m campus
A new £14 million Skegness College has officially opened, marking a major investment in education and training for the Lincolnshire coast.
Located on Wainfleet Road within the Skegness Gateway development, the purpose-built campus is the town’s first dedicated vocational college and forms part of the TEC Partnership. The wider development also includes new homes and industrial units, designed to support future growth in the area.
The new facilities include specialist workshops for plumbing, electrical, construction, and motor vehicle training, as well as IT suites for business courses. There are also dedicated spaces for health and social care students, including a mock hospital ward and care flat, alongside fully equipped hair and beauty salons.
Funding for the campus was secured through the government-backed Connected Coast Town Deal, which supports regeneration projects in Skegness and Mablethorpe.
The opening marks a new chapter for local learners, offering access to modern training environments and pathways into key industries across the region.
Image credit: Skegness College