An offer to purchase the historic former base of the RAF’s Dambusters squadron, which promised to bring more than 3,600 new jobs to the area, has been turned down.
Scampton Holdings Limited stated it was deeply disappointed after being informed by sales agents that its bid for the RAF Scampton location, backed by West Lindsey District Council, was unsuccessful.
The company is now urging the Home Office to provide an explanation for rejecting its proposals for the Lincolnshire site. It is also seeking clarification on how the successful applicant's plans will safeguard the site's aviation heritage, operational capability, and wider economic potential.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Scampton Holdings indicated its understanding that the preferred bidder is likely a commercial entity operating within the defence sector.
The directors of Scampton Holdings said: “We are deeply disappointed that our bid has been unsuccessful.
“Our proposals combine substantial defence industry engagement with a commitment to protect Scampton’s aviation heritage and secure its future as an operational airfield.
“We would welcome investment that strengthens British defence capability. The important question is how the chosen proposal will realise the site’s full potential for industry, for local communities and for the country.”
The directors, who are seeking feedback from the Government concerning their bid and assurances that the operational future of the runway will be safeguarded, added: “We believe the opportunity to accommodate a wider defence and aerospace community, supported by an operational airfield, deserves proper consideration.”
A spokesperson for West Lindsey District Council said it remained firmly committed to securing an ambitious and sustainable future for the former RAF base, which closed in 2023.
The spokesperson said: “The Home Office has today provided background information and demonstrated the commercial process is still live.
“Our ambition for Scampton has always been to protect its unique heritage, unlock its full potential and secure lasting benefits for the area. Those priorities remain unchanged, and we stand ready to work constructively with any stakeholders moving forward.”
In March this year the council unanimously agreed to press forward with plans to buy the base, hailing the project as a once-in-a-generation regeneration opportunity.
Proposals to redevelop the historic 800-acre site, also once home to the Red Arrows, represented an investment of more than £300 million and would create new opportunities across aviation, business, education and tourism, the council said.
The then newly-elected Labour Government confirmed in September 2024 that RAF Scampton would not be used to house asylum seekers.
Opening the site as accommodation as planned would have cost a total of £122 million by the end of its use in 2027, meaning the site no longer represented value for money, the government said.
It is understood expressions of interest for the site have closed and are currently being assessed by the Home Office.
The Home Office has said the process requires extensive legislative and regulatory due diligence, and it will continue to work with interested parties to make the process as efficient as possible.
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