Home Office confirms process to close RAF Scampton has started

The Home Office has confirmed that work to close the former RAF Scampton has begun.

Leaders from Lincolnshire County Council, West Lindsey District Council, and City of Lincoln Council yesterday said they were "deeply concerned" about the length of time it is taking to clarify the timelines and processes around the decommissioning of the former airbase near Lincoln after the Labour government announced it would no longer be used to house asylum seekers.

The plans to house up to 2,000 migrants at the site, proposed by the former Conservative administration, were controversial within the local community and prompted a lengthy legal battle against the Home Office from WLDC.

The government body has stated it has informed the council of the process and will continue to provide updates to them and key local stakeholders, with the sale of the site occurring in accordance with the process for disposing of Crown land.

With the site now available, WLDC is looking to push forward with the planned £300 million regeneration project from Scampton Holdings Ltd. This project aims to preserve the site's history, including the Dambusters squadron and the Red Arrows, while creating thousands of highly skilled jobs for the area.