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Tourism and day trips within the District generate £162 million to the local economy.

Tourism plays a vital role in supporting over 1,000 full time equivalent jobs locally.

North Kesteven covers an area of 92,000 hectares, of which 95% is classified as green space.

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Economic Strategy (PDF)

Tourism Strategy (PDF)

Why invest in North Kesteven

North Kesteven is a rural district in the ‘Heart of Lincolnshire’ lying immediately south of the city of Lincoln, a vibrant cathedral city with major tourist attractions and fast-improving universities. The University of Lincoln ranks 52 out of 130 universities in the country.

North Kesteven offers attractive rural lifestyles for working people and their families with lively towns and villages and excellent schools. North Kesteven is one of the safest places to live in England and one of the safest places to live in terms of lowest recorded crimes per head of population. Of the seven Lincolnshire districts, it has the lowest crime rate overall.

A record £220 million capital investment programme has been mapped out by the Council for enhancements across a range of initiatives in North Kesteven through to 2030. More than half of this, £120 million, will be committed to increasing the availability of affordable housing and a further £50 million spent on building up opportunity for business and jobs growth.

The Council’s focused support of businesses, from large enterprises through to sole traders, has escalated across the pandemic to guide them through restrictions, grant schemes and fresh trading opportunities. Up to the start of March 2021, the Council had administered £28 million of government grants in almost 5,000 payments across 12 distinct grant schemes, supporting approximately 2,000 businesses.

Prior to the pandemic, the local economy had consistently grown faster than that of its neighbours and the national average. Key growth sectors include food and farming, manufacturing, wholesale and retail, human health and social work and education. In recent years there has been considerable growth in the services sector, particularly business services, retail and tourism.

The Council is leading an ambitious £56 million investment scheme to create more high quality and flexible business units in the Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park and £2.2 million investment in new workshop units at Discovery Park, North Hykeham.

Latest News

Date published 9 November 2026

Planning reforms set to streamline development decisions and support business growth

Significant changes to planning legislation and national planning policy came into effect from October 2026, with a stronger focus on supporting economic growth, investment and infrastructure delivery.

Under the new arrangements, most planning applications, including the vast majority of minor commercial developments, will be delegated to planning officers for determination. Minor commercial development is generally defined as schemes creating less than 1,000 square metres of floorspace or covering less than one hectare. Applications will only be referred to committee in limited circumstances, such as conflicts of interest or where strategic local issues are identified.

The reforms also remove the ability for local ward members to call applications into committee and limit planning committees to 13 members.

Alongside procedural changes, updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) place greater weight on proposals that support business investment, job creation, rural enterprise, freight and logistics, renewable energy and key infrastructure projects. Additional protections are also being introduced for pubs, requiring clear evidence that continued operation is no longer viable before conversion to other uses can be considered.

The changes are intended to create a more efficient, consistent planning system while helping businesses invest, expand and adapt to future opportunities.

View a summary of the changes here.

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I was given Phil’s details by a fellow small business owner and despite her singing Phil’s praises I went into my first meeting not entirely sure how he could help with my new business. An hour and a half later and I’d been blown away by our discussion and the suggestions Phil made. I’ve subsequently gone back and reviewed my business plan and with Phil’s help I’m dreaming bigger than I ever thought possible. I feel re-energised about my business and with Phil’s help I’ve got an action plan to grow and develop.

I can’t recommend Phil enough – he’s thoughtful, understanding, insightful and supportive. Thank you Phil and NKDC for providing this wonderful service!

Natalie Walker

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