‘Disappointing’ timeline for RAF sale announced

The Home Office is currently getting ready to sell its historic former airbase near Lincoln, with a local council keen to buy it.

The site has been in limbo since plans to house asylum seekers there were scrapped in September 2024.

Lincolnshire County Council had written to the Home Office to clarify the situation, and the Growth Committee was informed on Tuesday (December 9) that it will be some time before a new buyer is finally agreed.

Reform Councillor Trevor Bridgewood told the meeting: “Alex Norris, the Minister for Border Security, has responded to say that it will be marketed for sale shortly, with the sales process expected to take six months.

“That’s a bit disappointing as it will take us into June next year.

“As with all these things, there’s the potential for slippage. It’s not over until the fat lady sings.”

The minister also confirmed that any plans to use the site to house asylum seekers had been completely ruled out, despite recent media speculation.

West Lindsey District Council says its plans for the site with Scampton Holdings Ltd would generate £2 billion for the local economy over the next 15 years.

It proposes a huge regeneration of the site, celebrating the rich RAF heritage and a high-tech future.

However, there is no guarantee who the successful buyer will be, with the Home Office set to recoup some of the £48 million that the failed asylum seeker project cost.

The council’s leader, Councillor Jackie Brockway, said recently that preparations were “well under way” for the sale.

“It was helpful to hear from Scampton Holdings about their recent analysis. Headline figures include a total benefit of a staggering £2bn from the regeneration,” she said.

“I’ve written to the Prime Minister, along with Lincolnshire County Council and City of Lincoln Council, and urged him to act quickly to realise the benefits.”