RAF Kirton in Lindsey officers' mess given community asset status

The former officers' mess at Kirton in Lindsey has become an asset of community value

A former RAF officers' mess in North Lincolnshire has been given protected status to prevent it from being redeveloped.

North Lincolnshire Council has awarded asset of community value status to the Kirton in Lindsey site.

It means local community groups have to be allowed to bid if it is put up for sale.

A previous application for the officers' mess was turned down in 2022 as it was being used for RAF functions.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, recent RAF closures elsewhere in Lincolnshire mean the Kirton in Lindsey facility is no longer needed by the Ministry of Defence.

Three former MoD facilities including the Vincent Hall, sports field and tennis courts have also had their protected status renewed.

Kirton Town Council has indicated it would like to acquire the sites, which are in the area near the B1400 where 350 homes were given planning permission earlier this month.

Rob Waltham, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "While North Lincolnshire does need more homes - particularly for older people - these must be built in the right places and not at the expense of much-needed community assets."

Community value status has also been given to the Kirton in Lindsey library and youth centre in King Edward Street.