Plans submitted for major expansion project at RAF Waddington

Environmental Impact Assessment documents submitted to North Kesteven District Council by the RAF, the Ministry of Defence and Boeing Defence, say current buildings and infrastructure are “unable to meet the future requirements” for the new aircraft.

The new vehicles will replace aircraft currently stationed at RAF Waddington which are retiring after nearly 40 years in action.

The station is soon set to take on the Red Arrows team following the closure of RAF Scampton.

They are looking to demolish and build a new facility with hangars, parking and runway and accommodation for around 1,000 people – three squadrons – to support the aircraft.

“Overall, it is considered that the proposed development is consistent with the established uses and scale of development that already exists within RAF Waddington,” said the documents.

“The proposed development is within the existing boundary of RAF Waddington, maintains the same planning use and is critical to support the arrival of the new aircraft in 2022.”

Among the buildings to be demolished will be the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance’s former HQ. The charity has already started building a new centre at the edge of the base.

Bosses say the new facilities will see around 240 additional personnel operating at the site.

The two new buildings – linked by a shared entrance – will total around 65,500 square metres and built over two, possibly three, floors.

They are likely to include:

Aircraft hangarage including repair and maintenance workshops

Offices

Various, training, briefing, interview and planning rooms

Classrooms

Staff welfare space including restrooms, shower and locker rooms

Bunk rooms

Operations Centre

Mission Simulator rooms

Restaurant, including kitchens

The station’s existing taxiway will also be upgraded to accommodate the new aircraft while around 428 new car parking spaces are planned to be created.

A new vehicular access is planned off the A15 Sleaford Road.