Result of RAF Scampton legal challenge expected later

A high court judge is expected to rule on whether Government plans to house asylum seekers at the former RAF Scampton base are legal later today.

West Lindsey District Council says a decision to use land at the disused RAF Scampton airfield, where the Dambusters were based during the Second World War, is unlawful.

Mrs Justice Thornton considered arguments at a recent hearing at the High Court in London and is listed to deliver a ruling today.

Lawyers have raised concerns about the base being used for longer than expected

Ministers say the claims should be dismissed.

Lawyers representing councils have made complaints about ministers' use of planning rules.

They say ministers cannot rely on "permitted development rights" because there is no "emergency".

Lawyers have also raised concerns about migrants being housed for longer than an initially envisaged 12 months.

Home Office ministers and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities ministers are fighting the claims.

I'm clear the site is legal

We spoke to the Immigration Minister and Newark MP Robert Jenrick about the plans ahead of the decision.

He told us: "I'm clear the site is legal - I'm confident we'll win in the courts."

"We'll have to review the situation if we were unsuccessful but the site is going to be a well managed one."

"We now have a site similar to this up and running - Whethersfield in Essex."

"That is working well."

We understand for communities it is very difficult

"The community whilst clearly still retaining concerns has not been impacted to the degree many envisaged."

"I hope a similar well functioning site can be set up at Scampton. "

"The local community's voices are being heard with support and funding for policing and local councils and we're very conscious of that."

"Whilst the policy is undoubtedly the right thing in the national interest we understand for local communities it is very difficult and has a high burden."

The judgement is expected around 2pm

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