The former home of the Dambusters has been placed on the open market, nearly 18 months after asylum seeker plans were scrapped.

RAF Scampton will now be marketed to potential buyers, with West Lindsey District Council keen to buy it for an ambitious regeneration project.

The airbase near Lincoln could become a centre of tourism, aviation and defence, potentially delivering thousands of jobs.

Councillor Jackie Brockway, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “The confirmation that RAF Scampton is now on the open market is an important moment for our community and for this nationally significant site.

“We have always been clear that Scampton deserves a future that reflects both its strategic importance and its remarkable heritage.

“Now that previous proposals of using the site for asylum accommodation are behind us, we can focus fully on securing the investment and regeneration the area deserves. We remain committed to playing an active role in shaping that future and ensuring the site’s potential is realised for generations to come.”

Asylum plan scrapped

In 2023, the then Conservative government announced it planned to use RAF Scampton, among other bases, to house asylum seekers.

However, the plan was scrapped by the Labour government back in 2024 after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to not use the site for those seeking asylum.

Sir Keir said: “I made a commitment to Scampton before the election that it wouldn’t be used. I intend to honour that.”

In August 2025, it was revealed the failed attempt to house asylum seekers on the RAF Scampton site had cost the Home Office at least £48m.

The site will now be put up for sale on the open market.

ARTICLE BY: Jamie Waller