RAF Scampton – which was originally earmarked for asylum seekers – could soon be acquired by West Lindsey District Council, the authority’s leader has announced.
Councillor Trevor Young expressed optimism following a “very productive” meeting with Labour minister Angela Eagle last week.
“I’m very optimistic the government will make announcement shortly decision to transfer site to us,” said Young at a council meeting on Monday.
“I believe will finally get it over the line,” he added.
The Home Office scrapped the plans because it did not represent value for money
West Lindsey District Council
This step forward has signalled the most positive development in the saga of the former Dambusters base – a site which has been left in limbo for months after asylum seeker housing plans were abandoned last September.
The Home Office scrapped the plans because it did not represent value for money.
Being able to open the site from autumn last year – as was the Government’s plan – would have come at the hefty price of £122million by the end of 2027.
The previous plans had faced significant opposition from the campaign group Save our Scampton as well as local politicians, including Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh, who said that the was “absolutely delighted” at Labour’s decision to axe the plans.
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The council plans to regenerate the former RAF base as a centre for aviation and tourism.
Such an ambitious project could create hundreds of jobs in the area, bringing in £300million of investment to West Lindsey.
The council has been lobbying for the opportunity to purchase the site directly, rather than it being put on the open market.
The cross-party meeting in Westminster included West Lindsey leaders councillor Young and councillor Lesley Rollings, as well as Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh and Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer.
Opposition leaders at the council later complained they had not been informed of the development.
RAF Scampton
West Lindsey District Council
Young responded: “Under ordinary circumstances, you would be right. However, the meeting was only confirmed on Monday afternoon for the following day.
“It is extremely difficult to meet with Ministers, and this cross-party did really good job,” he added.
Before the Government scrapped the plans, the UK had already spent £60 million on the project.
Councillor Young expressed hopes last week that a deal for the council to acquire the site could potentially be signed by November.