RAF Scampton - Application for Judicial Review made over decision to house asylum seekers
West Lindsey District Council has applied to the High Court
A High Court review of the Home Office decision to house asylum seekers at the former RAF base has been formally requested by West Lindsey District Council.
It's after the decision was made by Home Office just a few weeks ago.
The former RAF base closed last September after the Ministry of Defence announced it would be part of cost-cutting measures in 2018.
West Lindsey District Council has today applied for a Judicial Review challenging Home Office plans to house migrants at the former base.
It says the site isn't suitable and puts a £300 million pound investment plan at risk.
The Council says it's been left with no choice but to take the action.
It's also asking for a block on the Home Office developing the site while the proceedings are ongoing.
Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said:
“The Council does not take lightly this application for Judicial Review. However, given the impact of the Home Office plans on our £300 million investment, we have been left with no choice.”
"The Council considers the Home Office has not adequately assessed local factors in determining to use RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation. In particular the local planning context should have been a material consideration in any site selection exercise and we have received no assurance that this has been the case.
“We do not believe it is appropriate to rely upon temporary permitted development rights when it is clear that the site would be used for longer than any temporary permission would allow."
The Government's previously said it wants to reduce it's reliance on hotels to house asylum seekers and had been looking for alternatives.