Universal Defence and Security Solutions’ sister company, Scampton Holdings Ltd, is appointed by West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) as a development partner to deliver a prosperous and sustainable future for RAF Scampton. However, the firm’s restoration plans for the village risk being jeopardised by a planned migrant detention centre.
Just days after the WLDC’s plans were announced, the Home Office made public their intention to pursue the potential use of RAF Scampton for the accommodation of 1500 single male asylum seekers. The Home Office proposals would render the delivery of the investment proposals impossible.
Together with the WLDC, SHL are taking an extremely robust stance. SHL and WLDC are dismayed that the Home Office proposals, for what is ultimately a temporary use for the site, are even being considered given the scale of investment that is ready to be delivered in this important site. The benefits of our unique £300million Levelling Up proposal is incomparable to the detrimental impact proposals for asylum and immigration would have on the area.
How can you help?
The community has already shown resounding support backing the SHL and WLDC’s development plans. Supporters are urged to sign the below petition to ensure that the Government hears the voice of the public loud and clear: plans for a migration centre must be publicly abandoned.
The deal, which will secure over £300 million of investment into the regeneration of the site will preserve, protect and enhance the site by providing aviation heritage, business, aerospace, space and aviation technology and education opportunities.
Since the closure of the base was announced in 2018, the WLDC has worked extensively with the Ministry of Defence, local stakeholders and the community to ensure the best possible outcome for the RAF Scampton site and its future positioning within the wider district and county economy.
Chairman of Scampton Holdings Limited and Co-Chairman of UDSS, Peter Hewitt said: “Scampton Holdings Limited are passionate about unlocking the future potential of this key site. We bring to the table a wealth of experience and knowledge across the aerospace, defence, aviation, heritage and hospitality sectors, which through our collaborative and partnership approach to regenerating the site, will ultimately deliver 1000’s of highly skilled new jobs in key growth sectors in the region.”
Scampton Holdings Limited share the Council’s vision for the site and have developed a number of guiding principles which include;
- The protection, promotion and enhancement of existing heritage assets at Scampton;
- Supporting and improving existing community facilities;
- Maintaining Scampton as an operational and licensed airfield. Including retention of the restricted airspace status;
- Ensuring there is a ‘whole site’ approach towards being carbon neutral;
- Maintaining the site as one whole entity or campus; and
- Developing a strong tourism and hospitality offering which is additive to the existing visitor economy for Lincolnshire.
What could the future of RAF Scampton look like?
At the heart of the proposal is the continued use of Scampton as an operational airfield, which will assist in enabling investment across four key business areas:
- Commercial activity, aerospace and aviation;
- Heritage;
- Hospitality and tourism; and
- Education and research.
SHL, as the Council’s development partner, share a vision for the site and have developed a number of guiding principles, in line with the Local Plan policies, which include;
- The protection, promotion and enhancement of existing heritage assets at Scampton;
- Supporting and improving existing community facilities;
- Maintaining Scampton as an operational and licensed airfield. Including retention of the restricted airspace status;
- Ensuring there is a ‘whole site’ approach towards being carbon neutral;
- Maintaining the site as one whole entity or campus; and
- Developing a strong tourism and hospitality offering which is additive to the existing visitor economy for Lincolnshire.
UDSS is a shareholder is Scampton Holdings Ltd and provides a number of the advisory board members.
For more information about the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan visit: https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/central-lincolnshire/
