RAF Scampton: Council leaders call for urgent talks on future of base after Labour axes migrant plan
Council leaders have called for urgent talks with the Government regarding the future of former RAF Scampton.
The calls come nearly two months after plans to convert the historic airbase into an asylum centre were scrapped by the new Labour Government.
Local authorities are seeking clarity on the site’s disposal process and the timeline for its sale, which is crucial for the proposed £300million regeneration project.
The project, put forward by Scampton Holdings Ltd, aims to preserve the site’s rich history whilst creating thousands of highly skilled jobs in the area.
Leaders from Lincolnshire County Council, West Lindsey District Council (WLDC), and the City of Lincoln Council have collectively written to Minister Dame Angela Eagle, highlighting their concerns over the prolonged uncertainty.
Councillor Trevor Young, leader of WLDC, 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.”
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Councillor 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.”
Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, added: “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.”
Newly-elected Labour MP for Lincoln, Hamish Falconer, has reaffirmed his commitment to the regeneration project, stating: “The scrapping of the Conservative’s plans for RAF Scampton by the Labour Government was a turning point for Lincoln.
“I am incredibly proud of our community’s campaign, and I remain committed to ensuring that the £300million redevelopment deal occurs as swiftly and effectively as possible.
“I urge all stakeholders to come together to navigate the complexities ahead and turn our vision for Scampton into a reality.”
Putting further pressure on Labour, Conservative MP for Gainsborough Sir Edward Leigh asked during PMQs whether Labour would “work closely” with himself and WLDC on the future of RAF Scampton.
He continued by asking the Deputy Prime Minister to “ensure” the site is “sold off in a timely fashion at a fair price to secure its future” to avoid it from becoming “covered with housing”.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the Government would keep him informed on any decisions.