RAF Scampton 'left in a physical and legal mess' after years of uncertainty

 

RAF Scampton 'left in a physical and legal mess' after years of uncertainty

 

It may take time to get the former airbase ready for future use

 

ByJamie WallerLocal Democracy Reporter

16:51, 20 DEC 2024Updated16:53, 20 DEC 2024

https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/lincoln-news/raf-scampton-left-physical-legal-9810256

 

RAF Scampton has been "left in a physical and legal mess’ after years of uncertainty, Lincoln's MP has said. Plans to house thousands of asylum seekers at the former RAF base were abandoned shortly after Labour won the General Election.

 

West Lindsey District Council is now hoping to purchase RAF Scampton and go ahead with £300m regeneration plans, which were originally proposed nearly two years ago. However, there are still hurdles to clear before any development can go ahead.

 

MP Hamish Falconer (Lab): “There’s still a long way to go. The site has been left in a bit of a mess by the previous government - physically, with the portacabins, and legally. The Conservatives passed a Special Development Order to allow them to use it for immigration purposes.

 

“That may need some cleaning up by my colleagues in Parliament. I’m glad we’ve been able to defeat the previous plans, which would have been bad for Scampton and terrible for Lincoln.

 

“Whenever I speak to Scampton Holdings, the company behind the redevelopment plans, they believe there’s huge economic potential there, particularly with the runway of that size. It’s frustrating we’ve got back to the place we were nearly two years ago, but this is a really big opportunity for the city.”

 

The Home Office began to remove portacabins from the site last month, after they had sat unused for a year. Last week (December 13), West Lindsey District Council submitted an expression of interest in acquiring it.

 

It’s hoped that the former airbase - once the home of the Dambusters and the Red Arrows - could open up new tourism, aviation and heritage opportunities. Council leader Trevor Young (Lib Dem) said: "With the site now officially surplus to Home Office requirements, the council sees an opportunity to revisit and advance our development goals in partnership with key stakeholders.

 

“Subject to Home Office decision making, this will enable us to continue our journey to secure the significant investment and regeneration of this key, strategic site. RAF Scampton is a site of immense historical and economic importance, and we remain committed to unlocking its full potential for the benefit of our community.

 

“While the past two years have brought challenges, we are determined to pursue our original vision and ensure the site is used in a way that respects its legacy and supports sustainable growth."