Dambuster's dog's grave will not be moved to Norfolk RAF base
It comes as the dog's resting place was threatened by an application by RAF Heritage that would have seen the grave site moved to Norfolk
After an extensive planning process, West Lindsey District Council has made the decision to keep the memorial dedicated to Guy Gibson’s dog at RAF Scampton, rather than move it to Norfolk.
In one of the most controversial planning application debates of recent years, members of the council’s Planning Committee firmly believed that relocating the grave of the black Labrador would the historical significance tied to the former Dambusters base.
As a result, they unanimously rejected the proposal on Wednesday night.
The meeting, held at Lincolnshire Showground, featured a wide range of speakers, including Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh and local community groups, who all voiced their strong opposition to the plans.
“History is vital and this dog’s history is linked inexplicably to this base,” said Sir Edward Leigh.
“We are saying not over our dead body, we want a future for this site and we will fight for it."
In May, the RAF proposed relocating the grave to RAF Marham in King’s Lynn, citing concerns that it may be at risk due to the government’s plans to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers at the former home of the Dambusters.
West Lindsey District Council has continuously fought these plans as they have disrupted a £300 million heritage, enterprise and tourism project from Scampton Holdings.
This ambitious undertaking had promised to generate thousands of highly-skilled jobs, but there are now doubts as to whether it will happen at all.
The council’s case will reach a critical juncture next week when it is presented to the High Court on July 12 and 13.
At this stage, a decision will be made on whether to proceed with a full judicial review to assess the legality of the Home Office’s proposed plans.
Should the legal challenge fail, the first wave of around 200 men, predominantly from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran, is expected to arrive in mid-August.