Home Office formally submits SDO request over Scampton
The Home Office aims to extend the use of the former base
The Home Office has formally submitted a Special Development Order (SDO) request to Parliament to extend its use of the former RAF Scampton site for an additional three and a half years.
Until now, the government agency has used emergency planning powers to develop an asylum centre at the former airbase, initially for up to 2,000 migrants, now cut to 800. These powers are set to expire next month.
Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative MP for Gainsborough who has opposed the plans since their initial announcement last year, shared the news and his formal objection to the SDO on Friday.
He said: “The Home Office has finally laid down its Special Development Order regarding Scampton.
“I am just tabling my prayer against it now to keep the pressure up on ministers and officials.
“Our discussions working towards a plan that works for everyone are ongoing.”
On Thursday, representatives from West Lindsey District Council met with Tom Purglove, the Minister of State for the Home Office, to discuss the site’s use and explore a potential compromise that would allow the proposed £300m redevelopment by Scampton Holdings Ltd to proceed.
Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Scampton Holdings Ltd said the firm has experienced “no direct constructive dialogue” with the Home Office and claimed they had been barred from attending any meetings with the Minister or the Civil Service.
Scampton Holdings wants to redevelop the site by establishing the UK’s first Red Arrows Visitor Centre, creating a Living Aviation Museum Tourist Attraction, and positioning the site at the core of the A46 Midlands Aerospace Corridor.