Compromise over RAF Scampton is “best chance” of village’s future

The expected compromise between the Home Office and West Lindsey District Council regarding RAF Scampton is being hailed as the village’s “best chance” at a future, according to a local councillor.

In recent weeks, representatives from both sides have met multiple times to discuss the future of the former RAF Scampton airbase outside Lincoln, following the Home Office’s plans to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers there, which ultimately disrupted a £300 million redevelopment proposal from Scampton Holdings Limited.

In March, after a year of protests that prompted people to camp outside the base, the government agency announced it would cap the number of migrants being moved on site to just 800.

In the following weeks, Tom Pursglove, the Minister of State for the Home Office, insisted that the government is working closely with the council to find a middle ground where both parties can begin using the site.

West Lindsey district councillor Roger Patterson (Conservative) stated that this compromise would be the village’s best chance at a future, with the redevelopment plan promising to bring thousands of highly-skilled jobs to the area.

“All I’ve heard is they’re talking,” he added, pointing out that representatives recently met with Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove and Secretary of State for Defence Grant Schapps.

“I’m pretty sure the end is close and that there is going to be a compromise.”

Nevertheless, the Tory councillor also maintained that he felt no asylum seekers could ever be moved onto the site, as arrival dates have continuously been delayed for more than a year.

“I really don’t think they’re ever going to turn up, I know I’ve said it before, but I’m pretty confident,” added Councillor Patterson.

“The interesting thing would be if they start using Scampton as a runway for Rwanda, but that has never been mentioned.”

He later explained that both sides have recently withdrawn parts of their legal battles against each other, with the Home Office dropping their appeal against the Stop Notices, but the appeal of Miss Justice Thornton’s ruling on last year’s judicial review is still set to go ahead next month.

“The council won’t budge until they get what they want,” added Roger.

Local campaigner Rachael Green noted that it has been very quiet on all fronts recently: “Everyone has been waiting around for a statement, and nothing has been forthcoming.”

She explained that activity on site had stalled for some time, but has recently picked up again.

Furthermore, the local primary school had been assured that no migrants would arrive on site until proper fencing had been installed, which is set to go up soon.

“Just hurry up and get on with it,” said Rachael. “It’s been well over a year and everybody has been worried.”

West Lindsey District Council declined to provide a statement or an update on how talks were progressing.

The Home Office also remained quiet on the talks.

However, a spokesperson said: “We have always been clear that the use of asylum hotels is unacceptable, which is why we acted swiftly to move asylum seekers onto barges and former military sites, reducing the impact on local communities.

“The government is delivering on our plan by closing 150 asylum hotels, and planning permission has been granted to extend the use of Scampton and Wethersfield for three years under two Special Development Orders.”

But as this report was being produced, things could take a different turn as soon as July 5.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a general election on July 4, and Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer has previously vowed to end the Home Office’s use of RAF Scampton as an asylum seeker camp and return the site for the redevelopment plan.