Staffordshire MP welcomes move to axe asylum seekers housing plan
The scrapping of plans to turn a former student hall of residence in Stafford into asylum seeker housing have been welcomed by the new Stone MP Sir Gavin Williamson.
Stafford Court at Beaconside was set to be turned into temporary housing for up to 481 asylum seekers until 2029 after private firm Serco won its battle against Stafford Borough Council.
The appeal cost the borough more than £50,000 while the proposals sparked strong objections from many residents at three-day public inquiry held in May last year.
Objectors insisted they were not against refugees, but were concerned about its location near three schools and a residential area.
Community leaders also questioned the suitability of the proposed accommodation for people who may be suffering from mental illness after escaping war or other traumatic situations.
In recent weeks there have been protests and disorder at sites elsewhere in the country where asylum seekers are being housed, including in Tamworth. But it has now been revealed by new Stafford MP Leigh Ingham that the Stafford plans have been dropped.
Following a boundary change Beaconside is now in Sir Gavin's new-look constituency of Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge.
He welcomed the Home Office decision and said: “This is something that I and so many have campaigned for. Whether it be through meeting with Ministers, getting petitions signed, or raising objections, I’m delighted that we are successful in closing this accommodation to asylum seekers, as well as achieving this for hotels in Penkridge and Hatherton.
“This is a great victory which I know many local residents will welcome. It was always totally unsuitable to use Beaconside as accommodation for hundreds of asylum seekers.”
Councillor Frances Beatty, who gave evidence on behalf of the borough authority at last year’s planning enquiry, said: “We were surprised by this announcement, but it was confirmed as of last night that the plans are not going ahead.
“The residents are thrilled to bits, They had many worries, including the location of two primary schools and a secondary school nearby, as well as all the trouble that there has been from right-wing extremists (in other parts of the country in recent weeks).
“There are all sorts of reasons why this is not a suitable location. People had said they were going to try to sell their houses can be reassured that it will remain a residential area.”