West Lindsey hopes to buy RAF Scampton by November after delays. They aim to secure it for heritage and investments.
The Home Office owns the airbase currently, though they stopped plans to house asylum seekers there. West Lindsey wants to buy the base because they think it could bring £300m investment. Other groups also want to buy it.
Three leaders, Sir Edward Leigh, Hamish Falconer, and Trevor Young, met with Angela Eagle in Westminster. Eagle is the Minister for Border Security and Asylum.
Young said the council’s case was received well. He said they gave a convincing reason to sell it to them, stating the council will protect the heritage. The council will also bring in the £300m investment.
Young finds the government’s delay annoying and hopes a deal happens by November, which he stated a fantastic result. While the government may want to sell it openly, Young argues they have a better vision.
Developers might struggle building housing there because contamination and older buildings present challenges. Young wants to speed up the process, noting Lincolnshire residents want this and there is strong support.
The council shared plans two years prior, including Scampton Holdings Ltd. However, the asylum plans soon ruined them.
The airbase is important for its history, as the “Dambusters” Squadron was once stationed there. It also holds economic potential, especially in defense, air, and space. The council bid to buy it in December and thinks they deserve to be the buyer.