Flight path clear for plans to redevelop RAF Scampton, former home of Red Arrows

A development partner for the regeneration of RAF Scampton – an 800-acre historic site that was home to the Red Arrows until last year – is moving forward with plans to preserve, protect and enhance the site.

This comes despite speculation last week that the Home Office was considering the site for its suitability to accommodate asylum seekers.

Councillor Owen Bierley, Leader of West Lindsey District Council (WLDC), has firmly advised the Home Office that the site would not be suitable and is urging the Government to remove RAF Scampton from its list of proposed asylum accommodation locations.

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Mr Bierley said: "The idea that RAF Scampton is even being considered gives me significant cause for concern. Given that the site has poor public transport connectivity and is remote in nature to services, we consider that this site is not suitable for the accommodation of asylum seekers".

The development partner Scampton Holdings Ltd (SHL) this week submitted a formal letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade outlining plans for the site.

The local planning authority of West Lindsey District Council – the final decision makers on the redevelopment of the site – have approved and given their full support to the proposed plans to secure over £300 million of investment into the regeneration of the site.

These plans will reportedly preserve, protect and enhance the site by providing aviation heritage, business, aerospace, space and aviation technology and education opportunities.

Scampton Holdings Limited along with the council shared their vision for the site and a number of their "guiding principles" which include;

• The protection, promotion and enhancement of existing heritage assets at Scampton
• Supporting and improving existing community facilities
• Maintaining Scampton as an operational and licensed airfield, including retention of the restricted airspace status
• Ensuring there is a 'whole site' approach towards being carbon neutral
• Maintaining the site as one whole entity or campus
• Developing a strong tourism and hospitality offering that is additive to the existing visitor economy for Lincolnshire. 

Scampton Holdings Limited will now work with West Lindsey District Council and the Ministry of Defence to conclude the deal as quickly as is practicable.

The last official event celebrating RAF Scampton took place in September at the Lincolnshire base.

RAF Scampton was home of the famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team for 20 years until its closure at the end of 2022 – with the Red Arrows moving to RAF Waddington, also in Lincolnshire.

The closure ceremony saw a military parade and flypast take place, which included both the Red Arrows and a Lancaster Bomber, as well as music from the Band of the Royal Air Force College.