Council loses bid to block plans to house asylum seekers at former RAF Scampton base

West Lindsey District Council has launched a High Court battle against the Home Office's proposal to accommodate asylum seekers on land at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, once part of one of Britain's most renowned RAF bases.

The council is seeking an interim injunction from a judge in London to prevent the Home Office from transferring any "materials, equipment, or people" onto the site.

Mr Justice Kerr is considering arguments from lawyers representing the council and Home Secretary Suella Braverman at a High Court hearing in London.

During the Second World War, crews from 617 Squadron flew from Scampton when they staged the Dambusters raid on the night of May 16-17 1943.

The Red Arrows display team was also based at Scampton.

West Lindsey District Council began legal action after the Home Office announced plans to use a "portion of land" at the former air base for the housing of asylum seekers earlier this year.

Lawyers representing the council want the judge to impose an interim injunction pending final determination of the dispute.

Representatives for the Home Secretary oppose an interim injunction.

The hearing is expected to end on Thursday.

Paul Brown KC, who led the Home Secretary's legal team, told the judge that ministers had a duty to house asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute.

He said the number of asylum seekers needing accommodation was at "record levels".

Mr Brown argued that the proposed use of the site was permitted under town and country planning rules.