The historic officers' mess building at the former RAF Scampton has been given protected status
In March, West Lindsey District Council applied for the building to be listed amid government plans to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers at the site. It recently announced the success of the application, stating that this latest move "acknowledges the building's importance". It’s part of a Home Office drive to protect ‘heritage assets’.
The former RAF Scampton, near Lincoln, was of course used extensively in World War Two and most famously was where 617 Squadron - the unit famous for the Dambusters raids against Germany in 1943 - was founded. Post-war, it was also well known as the base for the RAF’s legendary Red Arrows.
The officers' mess, which once provided social space and accommodation for RAF personnel, has now been officially recorded on the Historic England website as a Grade II-listed building. West Lindsey District Council leader Trevor Young said: “This recognition of the high degree of special historical interest, specifically the base's role in some of the most famous actions of World War Two, is a really positive outcome for the site, particularly as there remains an element of uncertainty around its short-term future."
The government’s plan to accommodate asylum seekers within the famous former base continues to be strongly opposed – a review into the proposals is expected to take place at the end of this month.
