Home Office's Actions at RAF Scampton Generate Controversy
The Home Office has recently come under scrutiny following reports of it disregarding an enforcement notice issued by the West Lindsey District Council. The notice, which was delivered on September 22, was to halt the transformation of the former RAF Scampton into a migrant processing facility.
Accusations of Planning Law Breach
The council reportedly has received continuous reports of work proceeding on-site, contrary to the instructions they delivered. Sally Grindrod-Smith, the council's director of planning regeneration and communities, accused the Home Office of disobeying planning law.
"Having monitored the site daily for a week, despite not being permitted access, the council is of the view that the evidence collected clearly shows that the Home Office is in breach of the stop notice," said Grindrod-Smith.
Government's Crown Immunity and the Dilemma
She alluded to certain judicial conditions known as 'crown immunity'; these afford governmental departments an exemption against physical interventions on sites under their jurisdiction.
However, this has culminated in an undesirable situation where the Home Office refuses to engage with the council or permit an inspection of the site. Grindrod-Smith noted this was unjustifiable.
Home Office's Statement
The Home Office, for its part, reasserted its stance to continue the work:
"Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites provides cheaper and more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats whilst helping to reduce the use of hotels. We are confident our project, which will house asylum seekers in basic, safe and secure accommodation, meets the planning requirements."
Failure to Communicate with Council
Cllr Trevor Young, leader of the council, expressed concerns over the Home Office's lack of communication to respond to the stop notice.
It is now expected that high court will review the situation in a hearing scheduled for October 31 and November 1.