Asylum seekers to be accepted at former Stafford student accommodation
It's despite concerns raised last year
Hundreds of asylum seekers can be housed in former university accommodation in Stafford, after a planning inspector overturned a council decision.
Stafford Borough Council refused to grant Serco, which manages asylum seeker accommodation, permission to change the use of the Beaconside site last year.
It follows concern about social inclusivity, impact on public health services and fear of crime.
Serco appealed against the decision and a public inquiry was held at Stafford Rugby Club last month where several residents and councillors spoke against the plans. Members of local refugee support groups also spoke at the hearing.
Yesterday, Monday June 26, planning inspector Gareth Jones’ decision on the proposals was published. He has granted permission for the change of use of Stafford Court to become asylum seeker accommodation until the end of July 2029, subject to a series of conditions including limiting bedspaces to 481.
Before the site is occupied details must be submitted of how the outdoor courtyard space will be managed, and security measures including CCTV and site boundary treatments must be approved. A medical facility must also be in place and operational on the site before asylum seekers move into Stafford Court.
Mr Jones’ decision notice stated:
“It is clear that very many local people hold genuine, strong concerns regarding how the proposed development might affect crime and over how residents of the site might behave. It is an unfortunate reality that crime and fear of it form part of our society.
“While regrettable, it is unsurprising, therefore, that criminal cases and anti-social behaviour involving asylum seekers does occur, as cited in many of the submissions before me, including as raised by those who spoke during the inquiry. There is no compelling evidence, however, that criminal activity is more prevalent or extreme amongst asylum seekers than amongst the wider population.
“The appeal site is located close to family homes, schools and a nursery, as well as to recreational and other community facilities and infrastructure used by children. Parents, teachers and the wider community understandably and quite rightly want to ensure the wellbeing and safeguarding of children.
“Nonetheless, notwithstanding any cultural differences, there is no compelling evidence before me to indicate that when compared to the wider population asylum seekers, including single men, pose a greater risk to children or indeed any other group. No such concerns have been expressed by the management teams of local schools, the local education authority or the police.
“Concerns have been expressed by interested parties regarding the size of the rooms that would be provided for residents of the appeal property, including that this may lead to asylum seekers congregating off-site. The council, however, has not objected to the scheme on the basis of room size.
“I also note that the proposed accommodation would exceed what would be required were it to be subject to Housing in Multiple Occupation licensing. Although residents would be free to come and go from the premises, the courtyard area is substantial and would offer a pleasant, spacious environment for them to spend time outside without having to leave the site.”
Meantime, Councillor Aidan Godfrey, the Leader of the borough council, said now was the time for organisations to work together so that residents, and future asylum seekers, would be safe in Stafford.
He said: “Our town has an excellent track record of welcoming people from all over the world to our area and helping them make the borough their home - many of whom will have fled war or persecution in their own countries.
“The Planning Inspector has decided that the former university accommodation in Stafford is suitable for this asylum centre and it is now important for the council, our partners, and voluntary groups to work with Serco and the Home Office to ensure the concerns that some residents expressed at the inquiry are addressed and allayed.”