Stafford centre for Asylum Seekers approved

Planning Inspector Gareth Jones has allowed the appeal by Serco

A Planning Inspector has today (Monday 26 June) given permission for the former University Halls of Residence in Stafford to become a centre for Asylum Seekers.

The decision to allow an appeal by Serco follows a four-day public inquiry last month at Stafford Rugby Club after Stafford Borough Council had refused permission for the development.

You can find full details of the of the appeal, audio and video recordings of the public enquiry and the evidence submitted here, Appeal Site: Former University Halls of Residence, Stafford Education and Enterprise Park, Weston Road, Stafford

MP for Stafford Theo Clarke has responded and tweeted the following statement: 

"I am incredibly disappointed Serco has won its planning appeal to house asylum seekers at Beaconside.

I raised my objections and the objections of Conservative councillors at every level of the government including The Prime Minister, The Home Secretary, The Immigration Secretary, Home Office Officials and The Leader of The House of Commons.

I also sent a letter to the Planning Inspectorates pointing out all the good reasons why the original plan was rejected a year ago and why those reasons – such as a lack of services and leisure facilities – haven't changed.

I will now be seeking an urgent meeting with the Home Office to ensure Stafford is given all the necessary resources it needs to deal with this number of asylum seekers and that we have an expansion of services to enable us to cope without it being to the detriment of local people.

I respect the decision of the Planning Inspectorate and now the challenge is make the best of the situation, limit disruption and ensure those who come to our town are given all the help and support they need. I will work tirelessly to achieve this.

The best way to end Beaconside's role as an asylum centre is for The Illegal Migration Bill to become law and for the backlog of asylum applications to be dealt with. In this, the government has my full support".