A mess hall used by officers of the famous Dambusters squadron has been given protected status as the government seeks to develop the site to house 2,000 asylum seekers.

The building at the former RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire has been designated Grade II listed following an application by West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) in March.

The move by Historic England recognises the structure’s architectural and historical importance and means there are tighter controls over what changes can be made to it.

The Home Office has stressed “heritage assets” at the site would be safeguarded.

RAF Scampton was home to 617 Squadron, which achieved worldwide fame under the command of Guy Gibson with their “bouncing bomb” raids on the Ruhr dams in 1943.

Operation Chastise, as it was officially known, captured the imagination of the press and public at a critical moment in the Second World War and made national heroes of the aircrews, being later made into a film.

Councillor Trevor Young, leader of West Lindsey council, 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.

“Custodians of listed buildings hold a privileged position, having an important role to play in protecting the nation’s heritage for future generations.

“With that privilege comes a great responsibility to not only protect that asset but also ensure it has a sustainable future.

“It is hoped the Home Office will take these responsibilities seriously and afford the newly listed officers’ mess and the existing C-Type hangars the protection they deserve.”

The Whitehall department plans to accommodate 2,000 people on the former base, which was also previously home to the Red Arrows.

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The council has previously issued a stop notice to the Home Office to prevent it from carrying out further preparatory works over what it deemed were breaches of planning conditions.

But it has since said it believes the Home Office is continuing to contravene the notice.

A judicial review into the proposals, which have met strong opposition, is due to be held at the end of this month.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites provides cheaper and more orderly, suitable accommodation for those arriving in small boats whilst helping to reduce the use of hotels.

“We are confident our project, which will house asylum seekers in basic, safe and secure accommodation, meets the planning requirements.

“The Home Office has made it clear from the outset of this project that it recognises its responsibilities to take appropriate steps to ensure that the heritage assets at RAF Scampton are protected and preserved, and security and operational management plans will be put in place to support this.”

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