A former prison block, used as both a hospital and an interrogation centre during World War I and II, has been named as a building of townscape merit.

The 19th century Latchmere House building, on the Ham and Kingston border, was officially closed as an open prison in September 2011, amid talk the Ministry of Justice [MoJ] planned to sell it.

But Richmond Council hopes the newly granted status will make any future developer think twice before seeking to demolish any part of the building.

MP Zac Goldsmith welcomed Richmond Council’s decision to grant the historic building the added protection.

He said: “I am pleased with the discussions that have taken place since the MoJ announced their decision to dispose of this site.

“The site is large and offers great potential, and it is important that we secure the best possible outcome for the local community.

“The decision to designate the Latchmere House as a Building of Townscape Merit is really good news and is an important part of that process.”

The prison was home to offenders for more than 70 years, after the prison service bought the site from the military in 1948. It has a rich history having been a hospital for shell-shocked World War I officers and then a secret interrogation centre for captured German agents in World War II.

Richmond Council took the decision to protect the historic site from future demolition by making it a building of townscape merit because of its long history.

A council spokeswoman said: “This status means extra consideration is taken when any planning applications are submitted and the expectation is that the building will be kept intact.

“It is expected that by giving Building of Townscape Merit status and drawing attention to the historic, architectural and street scene issues of such buildings, owners and others will regard them more carefully when considering any proposals for alteration.”

They added, as the MoJ would be selling the site over the next year, Richmond and Kingston Councils were working with the organisation to produce a planning brief for the site.

According to Richmond Council’s building of townscape merit advice, “it is hoped by drawing attention to the historic, architectural and townscape interest of such buildings, owners and others will regard them more carefully when considering any proposals for alteration, extension or replacement”.

The status is will help protect the property from demolition and English Heritage are also considering the possibility of granting full listed status to further protect the property. English Heritage confirmed they had received an application for listed status and would be undertaking a site visit before making a recommendation that will go to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for a decision.