The Ministry of Defence continues its ownership of the historical RAF Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, placing on hold its sale amidst re-evaluations regarding potential defence needs. This site is known across the country due to its significant wartime history, particularly its association with the acclaimed 617 Dambusters squadron who launched their famous ‘bouncing bomb’ raids from RAF Scampton.
Despite parts of the land being in the possession of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust since 2014, municipal authorities including the East Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council had expressed interest in acquiring the remainder of the site for potential conversion into various ventures, such as a holiday park, a crematorium or an industrial site.
The choice to keep the RAF Woodhall Spa has been instigated by its recent function as an emergency mortuary amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The site is steeped in history, with original roots stretching back to 1942 when it was built on farmland, while also playing a significant part during the Cold War. Consequently, the fate of RAF Woodhall Spa continues to be an important point of discussion for local communities.
