Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), City of Lincoln Council (CoL), and West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) are calling for urgent dialogue with the Minister and the Home Office to clarify the decommissioning and disposal timelines for the RAF Scampton site, which is currently owned by the Home Office.
The Home Office previously announced they would no longer be using RAF Scampton as asylum accommodation as it no longer reflects value for money.
However, since the decision was made there has been no indication of a timeline for the disposal and sale for the site.
Partners are asking questions about the future and the councils are unable to give any clarity at this time. The site is still owned by the Home Office who are responsible for the site and still has a presence on site.
A letter highlights the councils’ concerns over the prolonged uncertainty and the impact this has on local planning and community interests.
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “We are deeply concerned about the length of time it is taking to clarify the timelines and processes associated with the decommissioning and disposal of RAF Scampton.
“This delay not only affects our planning and development strategies but also raises serious concerns about the condition of the site and the preservation of its heritage assets.”
The councils emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that the future of RAF Scampton is handled with transparency and consideration for its historical significance and the well-being of the local community.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “It’s essential that we meet with government to obtain an update on the current situation with Scampton. Its future impacts all of our communities and the current lack of clarity on the way forward for the site needs to be addressed.”
Cllr Martin Hill OBE, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Even though the Home Office has confirmed they do not plan to use the former RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation, there’s still a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the site until there is a clear timeline about the next steps.”
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
