West Lindsey District Council has submitted a formal expression of interest to acquire the RAF Scampton site, with plans to build a major housing redevelopment in its place as part of levelling up plans for the area.
The RAF Scampton site was identified as an ‘opportunity area’ in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, with intentions to potentially use the site as a residential development with a mix of housing types.
With council officers working closely with the local community and key stakeholders to understand the opportunities for the future of the site, these plans are yet to be formalised – with considerations around infrastructure, transport connectivity, environmental impacts and utilities all still being considered.
The draft Local Plan remains under consultation until May 9, 2022 and requires the preparation of a complete masterplan – designed to answer any of these questions – in advance of any planning applications being submitted.
Located 6 miles north west of Lincoln, the closure of RAF Scampton was announced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2018 as part of cost-cutting measures.
The Ministry of Defence disposal strategy allows for all public sector bodies to express their interest in acquiring the site prior to it being listed on the open market.
Following agreement from the council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, the request to register interest was formally submitted on April 21, 2022.
Cllr Anne Welburn, Chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee said: “We see that the successful redevelopment of the site of RAF Scampton could contribute significantly to the ‘Levelling Up’ of economic and social outcomes across West Lindsey, Lincolnshire and beyond.
“The importance of this site both in terms of heritage and social history cannot be overstated. It is hoped that by registering our interest in the site we can take a leading role in ensuring a positive outcome and we look forward to working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Ministry of Defence as we go forwards.
“As a District Council we are seeking to provide a safeguard for the future of RAF Scampton. This expression of interest will enable us to do this. It does not commit the Council to anything apart from helping us to ‘explore all options’ available.”
