Development Activities Ignoring Stop Notice at RAF Scampton Cause Concern
Concerns are starting to mount as ongoing development activities are seen at the former RAF Scampton base, despite a temporary stop notice in effect. The activities in question involve groundwork and the setting up of utilities, presumably in preparation for the imminent arrival of migrants later in the month.
Violation of Stop Notice
On Friday, September 8, West Lindsey District Council issued the stop notice in a bid to put a halt to such works. This move was driven by doubts over whether the Home Office is actually adhering to the conditions of the temporary stop notice. These concerns were voiced by Council leader Trevor Young, who suspects the Home Office is ignoring the notice.
"We believe that ground works have been completed since the stop notice was issued and the council is incredibly concerned about the irreversible impact of this. We had informed the Home Office on Friday that we would visit the site for an inspection on Monday. They refused us access when we arrived. We will visit the site every day to take a record and have agreed they will meet an officer on site later in the week."
Home Office Position
The Home Office has remained largely tight-lipped, repeating its previous statement on following planning regulations. The issued notice - under section 171E of the Town and County Planning Act 1990 - doesn't necessitate stopping all on-site works. Listed buildings, intrusive surveys, groundwork, and the installation of fencing and utilities are the notable exceptions.
Doubts from Different Angles
The council's director of planning, regeneration and communities, Sally Grindrod-Smith, has also echoed Young's concerns, admitting uncertainty over adherence to the notice. Sarah Carter, a head of the local campaign group "Save Our Scampton," voiced her confusion over how certain works can continue on the site,
"We don’t know if they are adhering to the notice because they are allowed to do certain works. The temporary stop notice only includes work to the listed buildings, intrusive surveys and building fencing. But how do we know that they’re doing doesn’t involve those particular works?"
Justification from Home Office
A Home Office spokesperson positioned the development as part of a cost-effective strategy for housing incoming asylum seekers, while maintaining regulations adherence.
"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."