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.

Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park has reached a key milestone, with all units on Plots 1 and 3 now fully occupied. The site continues to support business growth across the district, building on the success of the wider industrial area.

Subject to planning approval, Clean Planet Energy plans to develop its second UK ecoPlant on Plot 2 of Sleaford Moor Enteprise Park, marking another major milestone for the site.

Interested in future opportunities? Register your interest through BTG Eddisons.

You can also head over to our Commercial Property page for more information on the site.

New STEAM figures highlight the continued importance of tourism to North Kesteven, with visitor spending supporting local businesses, jobs, and attractions across the district.

Some standout figures include 3 million tourism visits within North Kesteven across a year, and day visits to the District generating £142m in 2025. But the data only tells part of the story.

North Kesteven District Council are launching a Tourism and Hospitality Business Survey to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing businesses, from rising costs and recruitment issues to seasonal trade. Your feedback will help shape future support and strengthen the visitor economy for everyone.

Please spare a few minutes to share your thoughts and take the survey, it closes on 30 November.

New STEAM data confirms the ongoing importance of tourism to our local economy, with visitor spending helping to sustain businesses, jobs and visitor attractions across the district.