Judicial review application over RAF Scampton

RAF Scampton's main gate before its closure earlier this year

West Lindsey District Council has today applied to the High Court for Judicial Review of the decision to utilise RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation.

The application to the High Court also seeks urgent consideration of interim relief to prevent the Home Office developing the site whilst the Judicial Review proceedings are ongoing.

Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said: “The Council does not take lightly this application for Judicial Review.

"However, given the impact of the Home Office plans on our £300 million investment, we have been left with no choice.”

The Judicial Review looks to challenge the decision made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. The Council believes that the Secretary of State has acted unlawfully by failing properly to take

account of key material considerations in relation to the site. Equally, the Council challenges the Government’s decision to rely upon temporary permitted development rights when the intended use of the site extends beyond the temporary period of permission.

Sally continued: ‘The Council considers the Home Office has not adequately assessed local factors in determining to use RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation. In particular the local planning context

should have been a material c