3 April 2023
The battle for the future of RAF Scampton is far from over despite Home Office plans to utilise RAF Scampton as a site for asylum accommodation.
The local council, West Lindsey District Council, has begun legal action against the Home Office. The council is concerned the proposals will scupper plans to deliver a £300m regeneration programme and put at risk the world-renowned heritage.
The council’s Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said, “Despite ongoing attempts by the Council to set out to the Home Office the irretrievable damage that would be caused to the once in a generation investment opportunity that is on the table, the Home Secretary has taken the decision to utilise RAF Scampton as a site for asylum accommodation.
“The Council considers that the decision is irrational and moreover the Home Office does not have the appropriate planning permission for the intended use. The Council has therefore issued a letter before action, sent in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review, which requires the Home Secretary to respond by no later than 4pm on Thursday, 6, April 2023.”
Historic buildings at RAF Scampton
Since the Home Office announcement, the government has issued a frequently asked questions document here.
The council added that it will continue to work with the Home Office on the national Asylum Seeker Full Dispersal Model, and whilst it maintains that Scampton is not a safe or appropriate site for asylum use, it is committed to playing its part in tackling the challenges that the country is currently facing.
