In September, the new Labour government scrapped plans to convert the base into an asylum centre, saying it no longer represented value for money.
The decision freed the site for Scampton Holdings Limited’s £300m regeneration project proposal, which aims to preserve the site’s history and create thousands of jobs.
However, nearly two months later, leaders of Lincolnshire County Council, West Lindsey District Council (WLDC), and the City of Lincoln Council claim there is no timeline for selling the site, which the Home Office still owns.
Council leaders have collectively written to Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle, expressing concern about the uncertainty and impact of the ” delay ” on local planning and community interests.
Councillor Trevor Young, leader of WLDC, said he was “deeply concerned” about the timeline of the withdrawal and disposal of RAF Scampton.
“This delay not only affects our planning and development strategies but also raises serious concerns about the condition of the site and the preservation of its heritage assets,” he said.
Councillor Naomi Tweddle, leader of City of Lincoln Council, added: “It’s essential that we meet with government to obtain an update on the current situation with Scampton.”
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Labour MP for Lincoln, Hamish Falconer, said preserving the former airbase’s heritage was one of his primary goals.
Mr Falconer said he was “incredibly proud” of the community’s campaigning and remained “committed” to ensuring the £300m redevelopment deal happens “as swiftly and effectively as possible”.
The LDRS also said the Home Office has confirmed work to close the site has begun, and it will continue to provide updates to key stakeholders regarding the sale.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative MP for Gainsborough Sir Edward Leigh asked the government to “work closely” with himself and WLDC on the future of RAF Scampton to preserve its history.
He asked if it was “ensured” the site is “sold off in a timely fashion at a fair price to secure its future” to avoid it from becoming “covered with housing”.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the government would inform him of any decisions.
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