Day two of the Judicial Review is set to get under way this morning over plans to house asylum seekers at RAF Scampton.
West Lindsey District Council argues the decision to use the base, once home of the Dambusters, is ‘unlawful’. Braintree District Council in Essex is also challenging plans for ex-RAF Wethersfield, along with a resident of Wethersfield.
The London hearing which started on 31 October 2023, heard the government is seeking to use both sites for a further three years beyond April 2024.
Reflecting on day one of the hearing, Director of Planning and Regeneration at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith said: “Our case was clear and well presented and the evidence demonstrated that our grounds are strong.
“We’ve been able to put forward and reference very specific and detailed internal memos that show there has always been an intention to use the site for more than the 12 months permitted by Class Q. There was significant challenge to the Home Office’s emergency statement.
“There was also deficiencies in how the Home Office tried to interpret the impact on the local community. The court also heard evidence regarding the very marginal value for money case offered by the Home Office plans on comparison to the benefit of the £300m investment proposal.”
Watching the proceedings in the High Court was Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young and Deputy Leader Cllr Lesley Rollings. Cllr Young said: “We have been at the Judicial Review because the government has ridden roughshod over the local council, which over sees the planning permissions for the area, which is not acceptable.
“This Government are not even pretending to be bothered about the local people in West Lindsey. We have a £300 million project ready to go on the RAF Scampton site. A new project which would have a hugely positive impact on the local economy and the prestige of the area. We maintain our position that this is not an appropriate site for this purpose the Home Office intends to use it for.”
It is not currently known when an outcome will be announced but the council has committed to continue to hold the Home Office to account.
Cllr Rollings added: “We are all working very very hard for the people of West Lindsey to get the best deal and going forward. The Judicial Review has given us the opportunity to set out a strong case against the Home Office proposals – thanks to our dedicated legal team, including West Lindsey District Council Officers, we hope we’re successful.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council shows Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young and Deputy Leader Cllr Lesley Rollings.
