Previous activity
In 2018 the Ministry of Defence announced the closure of RAF Scampton and the relocation of the Red Arrows to RAF Waddington as part of this closure. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) were instructed to close the site and facilitate its sale during the first half of 2023.
In April 2022 we formally expressed interest in acquiring the site.
West Lindsey District Council has worked extensively with the DIO, Lincolnshire County Council and Scampton Parish Council (alongside other organisations) to ensure the best possible outcomes for the Scampton site and its future positioning within the wider district and county economy.
A specific RAF Scampton policy was incorporated into the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (CLLP) review to ensure the significance of the site is recognised, appropriate protection is put in place and to ensure the key challenges (linked to site development) are carefully managed. The Examination in Public was completed during November and December 2022. The final ‘Main Modifications’ consultation stage has now been completed with sign off of the revised Local Plan expected in early April 2023.
All documents can be found on the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan webpages.
On the 9 February 2023, the council's Corporate Policy and Resources Committee unanimously voted in favour of progressing with the site acquisition and partnering with an investor to deliver the RAF Scampton regeneration project.
Current position
RAF Scampton Asylum Accommodation
West Lindsey District Council has reached an agreement in principle with the Home Office to explore the temporary, dual use of the former RAF Scampton site.
The Home Office is working on proposals which will see the current site at RAF Scampton used for accommodation for asylum seekers.
The agreement in principle has been signed, which marks a significant step forward in securing the council’s vision to deliver its regeneration plans for the site through collaboration. Under the agreement, outstanding legal action has now been withdrawn.
The Home Office will retain just 10% of the site to temporarily house up to 800 asylum seekers – compared to the original 2,000.
This is a Home Office Proposal and therefore they are responsible for communicating their plans and dealing with the necessary queries. They regularly update the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Home Office website. The fact sheet on the proposed accommodation sites can be found on GOV.UK's Asylum accommodation factsheets page.
Contact
If anyone has any queries please email the Home Office at public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
How can members of the public express their views?
We know that our communities, partners and stakeholders will be keen to understand more about the regeneration plans. Details of consultation events will be published here in due course.
For enquiries to the council: growth@west-lindsey.gov.uk
For enquiries to Scampton Holdings Limited: meredyth.grant@scampton.org
For more information about the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan visit: Local Plan
For more information about the Dambusters visit: Story of the Dambusters