West Lindsey District Council renews bid for former RAF Scampton site
The Home office has decided to sell after abandoning plans to house asylum seekers there.
A council has renewed its bid to acquire the historic former RAF Scampton base.
Members of West Lindsey District Council ‘s corporate policy and resources committee unanimously backed the decision to submit an expression of interest to acquire the site after the Home Office declared the site “surplus to its requirements”.
The move, revealed at a meeting on Thursday (December 12), comes two years after the council unveiled its vision for the future of the site – a once-in-a-generation £300 million development plan in collaboration with its development partner Scampton Holdings Ltd.
The project was put on hold when the Home Office enacted emergency powers to use the former airbase to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers. This figure was later lowered to 800 before being scrapped entirely by the Labour government.
According to WLDC, the Home Office declared the site surplus to its operational requirements and listed it on the government’s Electronic Property Information System (ePIMS).
This triggered a 40-day expression of interest period, during which time public sector organisations could set out their case for acquisition. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest was December 12.
Coun Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, confirmed the council officially submitted its expression of interest in acquiring the site.
He said: “With the site now officially surplus to Home Office requirements, the council sees an opportunity to revisit and advance our development goals in partnership with key stakeholders. Subject to Home Office decision making, this will enable us to continue our journey to secure the significant investment and regeneration of this key, strategic site.
“RAF Scampton is a site of immense historical and economic importance, and we remain committed to unlocking its full potential for the benefit of our community. While the past two years have brought challenges, we are determined to pursue our original vision and ensure the site is used in a way that respects its legacy and supports sustainable growth.”
Peter Hewitt, chairman of Scampton Holdings Limited, welcomed the news and said: “This is a chance to reignite our plans that prioritise economic growth, historical preservation, and community needs. We are committed to doing what we can and continue to work hard with the Council to ensure a bright future for RAF Scampton.”
The council’s expression of interest sets out the case for site acquisition and how the site can support the mission for inclusive, sustainable growth and regeneration.
West Lindsey District Council has vowed continue to engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to its future. Further updates will be provided once the outcome of the expression of interest is known.