Ellie Ames 08 September 2023

Council halts Home Office work on RAF Scampton

Council halts Home Office work on RAF Scampton image
Image: west-lindsey.gov.uk

West Lindsey District Council has ordered the Home Office to stop work to convert a former military base into accommodation for asylum seekers.

At 7am today, the local authority issued a temporary stop notice over the development of RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, where the Government plans to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers.

The council said it considers there to have been a breach of planning control relating specifically to the listed buildings and archaeology on the site.

The alleged breaches include the installation of permanent fencing, intrusive surveying works, groundworks and connections to utilities, which the council said have the potential to cause ‘irreversible damage’ to heritage assets.

Unless it is withdrawn, the legal notice means the Home Office and all contractors must cease these works immediately for 28 days.

Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning, regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: ‘The council is concerned about the future of the significant and important heritage on site at RAF Scampton and the home office has not provided the necessary information or reassurances.

'Unfortunately, we have been left with no alternative but to issue a temporary stop notice.’

The Home Office said it was ‘carefully considering this implications’ of the notice.

A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites provides cheaper and more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats whilst helping to reduce the use of hotels.

'We are confident our project, which will house asylum seekers in basic, safe and secure accommodation, meets the planning requirements.’

A two-day judicial review of home office plans for the former airbase is due to take place at the High Court from 31 October.

The High Court will also hear from Braintree District Council and a Wethersfield resident over plans to accomodate asylum seekers at RAF Wethersfield.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Enforcement and Monitoring Officer (Planning Enforcement)

West Northamptonshire Council
£34,203 - £37,067
About the role West Northamptonshire Council is looking for a dedicated and proactive Planning Enforcement Officer to help drive forward its place-shaping agenda. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the best developments are d Towcester
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

HGV & Municipal Vehicle Technician

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 5 (scp 16-19) £29,572 to £31,067 per annum
The maintenance is undertaken in the Council’s vehicle workshop on the Salthill Industrial Estate, Clitheroe Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Moving into Adulthood Worker

West Northamptonshire Council
£39,190 - £41,797
About the role We recognise the challenges faced by young people and their families as they transition from children’s services into adult services, and are committed to ensuring that we have the right conversations with them at the right time to ensure Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Transport

East Midlands Combined County Authority
£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recuriter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Director of Children’s Services (DCS)

Swindon Borough Council
£129,000
Be the DCS you always wanted to be. Swindon, Wiltshire
Recuriter: Swindon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner