Calls to reconsider plans to house asylum seekers at former Eastbourne hospital
The proposals for Esperance House have sparked concern among local authorities
Eastbourne's MP has written to the Home Secretary urging the Government to reconsider plans to turn a former hospital in the town into a centre housing asylum seekers.
As many as 125 people could be housed in flats at Esperance House in Hartington Place under proposals being raised by the Home Office.
They, and provider Clearsprings Ready Homes, are understood to be putting forward proposals to build 45 flats as 'dispersal accommodation'.
Eastbourne Borough Council is among authorities in the town to have raised objections to the plans, owing to concerns around a lack of school places, a lack of GP appointments and an already-significant homeless crisis as key concerns.
In a letter to Yvette Cooper, Josh Babarinde expressed his ‘sincere concern’ about the issues expressed and has stated that the scheme should be reconsidered as these have not been addressed by the Government.
He also raised issues over the lack of consultation, with local residents and local support organisations, that has taken place ahead of any proposal moving ahead.
Josh Babarinde MP said in his letter to the Home Secretary:
“Like all communities, our town takes seriously our part in the legal duty to house those seeking asylum, until their claims are assessed. This responsibility must include adequate scrutiny of the challenges that may be involved in any scheme proposed”.
I have sincere concerns that these issues - that stand to affect all stakeholders - have not been sufficiently addressed by the Home Office, nor by Clearsprings Ready Homes. I am therefore calling for the Government to reconsider mobilising Esperance House for this scheme.”
The Home Office has said that it does not comment on individual projects.