Scampton still off limits to asylum seekers

As the government revisits all old MOD sites to house the 32,000 asylum seekers currently living hotels, council chiefs have said the former RAF Scampton is still off-limits as accommodation.

The base north of Lincoln has not yet been mentioned by officials, but West Lindsey District Council is reiterating its position that Scampton is unfit for use as accommodation.

Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities said: “West Lindsey District Council remains clear in its position that RAF Scampton is wholly unsuitable as a site for asylum accommodation.

“The location presents significant challenges, including the protection of nationally important heritage, the limitations of local rural infrastructure, unresolved contamination issues, and the sheer scale of disruption such a proposal would cause to our communities.”

The Home Office officially abandoned its plans for the site a year ago this month, acknowledging its unsuitability and being found not being value for money. 

It is looking at extending the use military sites such as the former RAF Wethersfield in Essex and Napier Barracks in Kent – the latter had been due to stop housing migrants later this month.

Sally explained that should any future proposals be revisited, the council will continue to insist on full transparency, robust planning scrutiny, and meaningful consultation with residents.

She added: “Working with our Development Partner Sampton Holdings Limited, we are committed to securing a positive future for RAF Scampton. We have already submitted an Expression of Interest to acquire the site and remain ready to deliver our ambitious £300 million regeneration plan.

“This plan would protect the site’s heritage, create jobs, attract investment, and provide long-term benefits for West Lindsey and beyond. RAF Scampton’s future is too important to be jeopardised by short-term or unsuitable proposals.”