Statement about RAF Scampton

West Lindsey District Council Supported by the then Conservative Administration set up cross community workshops in 2009 to support the 3 EX MOD communities in West Lindsey and to work with residents of RAF Scampton to fight for the future retention of the base and plan for an eventual closure were it to happen.

That reality happened in December 2022 by which time the council was in a procurement process, as the preferred bidder, to secure a bright future based around the emerging section 75 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, which was renewed and readopted in April 2023.

Out of this, one bidder, Scampton Holdings, was chosen to go forward, based on the strict plans laid out in section 75. But less than 12 hours later The Home Office, threatened the deal, worth £300 million, by announcing their intention to use RAF Scampton to home up to 2000 male asylum seekers.

The council then launched legal proceedings based on the redevelopment deal and the use of section Q regulations to override local planning rules for one year before it has to seek planning permission.

Today, in phase 2 of the legal challenge, we were successful in obtaining a full judicial review based around the £300 million development and the use of section Q, the overriding of local planning laws.

Although it's not over, I remain optimistic and confident that we will win our case and Scampton Holdings will commence work as soon as possible.

I’d like to express my gratitude to Sally Grindrod Smith and her excellent team for their sacrifices and dedication and their outstanding hard work in getting us this far.

Councilor Roger Patterson

Scampton Ward Councilor

West Lindsey District Council