WW2 air raid shelters near former RAF base to get new life as holiday lets

The shelters were previously used for a nearby RAF base

Former air raid shelters used during the war will be transformed into new holiday lets. Applicants Mr and Mrs Wisson sought permission to convert the air raid shelters in Graveley Road, Offord D’Arcy, into six short-term holiday lets.

The shelters, which were used for nearby RAF Graveley, were built in the Second World War. The shelters were located away from the airfield and covered by bunds to conceal their location and add further protection from bombing.

The applicants said: “Their current ‘unconcealed’ nature means they are both considerably more visually prominent than when first built and lacking in the more original character that would be recreated by the bunding and planting proposed.”

Currently, the air raid shelters are based on a farm. The now approved holiday lets will “not impinge upon the operation of the established agricultural activities at the farm”, planning documents said.

It was also proposed to landscape over the air raid shelters to “reduce the perception of a built development in the countryside”, and “return the structures to their original form of being ‘grassed over’”.

There will also be room for parking. Former military structure conversions are reportedly “very popular” and are “often booked across the entire year”, according to the plans. The applicants said there has been “significant growth in interest in staying in such former military structures both in this country and across Europe”.

A planning document reads: “Holiday accommodation represents the best alternative use for buildings and structures whose original purpose is fortunately no longer required.”

RAF Graveley was first built in 1941 and in use between 1942 and 1968. Originally, the base was going to be used for special operations alongside RAF Tempsford and RAF Garnsden Lodge.

It later became a pathfinder unit, forming part of No. 8 Group. In 1943, RAF Graveley was one of the first operational stations to use the fog dispersal system (FIDO). Post-war, the airfield was used as a relief landing ground for No. 206 Advanced Flying School which was based at RAF Oakington.

Ahead of its closing in late 1968, the base was used as a filming location in 1967. The airfield featured in Robbery, a film based on the Great Train Robbery. It is mostly now used for agriculture and a wind farm was built on the site in the 2010s.