Government considering 'calling-in' controversial RAF Croughton planning application after pressure from MP and Harry Dunn family

Council told to hold fire over proposal to build two radomes and antennas at Northamptonshire airbase
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The government is considering 'calling-in' a controversial planning application for RAF Croughton after pressure from the MP and Harry Dunn's family.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick has told South Northamptonshire Council not to decide on a proposal to build two radomes and antennas at the south Northamptonshire airbase until he decides whether or not to take it into his own hands.

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The ministry's senior planning officer, Mike Hale, wrote to assistant director for planning and economy Jim Newton confirming the decision on Tuesday (August 11).

RAF Croughton is used by the United States Air Force as a surveillance baseRAF Croughton is used by the United States Air Force as a surveillance base
RAF Croughton is used by the United States Air Force as a surveillance base

South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom and the tragic teenager's loved ones believe the scheme is a precursor for the base's expansion, which should not be allowed until Anne Sacoolas faces justice.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) insists there are no plans to expand the base, which is used by the United States Air Force as a surveillance centre, and will continue to work with the authorities.

Radd Seiger, speaking on behalf of Harry's family, told this newspaper: "It is yet another strong message to the US government that that will not be the case until Mrs Sacoolas faces the English justice system.

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"The family are grateful to Andrea Leadsom, who is working with me on this issue, and for her leadership and also to the British Government for standing up to the bully."

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentRobertJenrick. Photo: Getty ImagesSecretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentRobertJenrick. Photo: Getty Images
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentRobertJenrick. Photo: Getty Images

A planning application has been submitted to South Northamptonshire Council for the renewal of technical equipment comprising construction of two large fixed antennas and two new radomes along with all associated security requirements and infrastructure at RAF Croughton.

Meanwhile Harry's family continues to campaign for his alleged killer, Anne Sacoolas, to return to the UK to face her charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The American woman went back to the US having claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash with Harry's motorcycle and her car, which was on the right-hand-side of the road near Croughton on August 27, 2019.

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A council spokesman said it has no opinion either way on the matter – it is content to make the decision if the application is returned to it by the secretary of state, or it is equally content for him to call it in and decide it himself.

Harry DunnHarry Dunn
Harry Dunn

They added that if the matter is returned by the secretary of state, officers should be able to determine it almost immediately.

Deputy leader and portfolio holder for planning Phil Bignell said: “The law requires us to make planning decisions on the basis of well-established planning law, and not to take into account matters of international diplomatic relations, such as the diplomatic immunity exercised by a US citizen following the tragic death of local man Harry Dunn.

"We very much support Harry’s family and friends in their campaign for justice, but are prevented by law from using our planning powers and duties as leverage to support them.

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"They certainly deserve their day in criminal court, not a few minutes before a local planning committee that simply does not have the powers to grant them the justice they seek and sorely deserve.”

South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom. Photo: Getty ImagesSouth Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom. Photo: Getty Images
South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom. Photo: Getty Images

The application in question relates to the proposed replacement of the ‘dome’ structures at the base with modernised replacements on a broadly like-for-like basis.

Mrs Leadsom urged Mr Jenrick to call-in the application in the House of Commons in July and reiterated her request in a letter last week.

"Harry’s family deserve justice, and until the US government recognises this, we cannot carry on as normal," she told this newspaper.

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"I have asked for this application to be called in under the secretary of state’s power to consider plans that have a ‘national interest’ angle.

"In this case, the outstanding matter of the tragic death of Harry Dunn, and the refusal of the US government to allow justice for Harry, puts all cooperation with planning for RAF Croughton clearly in this category."

An MoD spokesperson said: “The secretary of state for housing, communities and local government is considering whether to ‘call in’ a planning application made by the MoD on behalf of the US Air Force.

"The MoD will continue to engage with all relevant parties and participate fully in the planning process.”

The government has been contacted for comment.