Asylum seeker accommodation plans submitted to Stafford council despite concerns

The application, put forward by Serco, was published on the council’s website earlier this week and received more than 20 objections within 24 hours. There have also been letters of support.

After the plans were first revealed it was reported that the council had received around 1,300 emails about the plans during the past month - before the application was officially lodged. Most were from outside the Stafford area, with some from as far afield as America, Canada and Africa.

Serco manages asylum accommodation on behalf of the Home Office. It does not currently accommodate any asylum seekers in the Stafford area, its consultation website stated, and Stafford Court in Beaconside is now being earmarked to provide more than 400 beds.

There would be 160 initial accommodation beds, providing urgent short-term places for asylum seekers needing somewhere to stay before their support applications can be assessed. A further 322 places would provide “dispersed accommodation” for a longer term while applicants wait for their asylum claim to be fully determined, which could range from months to years.

Serco’s consultation website stated: “The existing building configuration at Stafford Court is ideal to host this type of facility. The building offers self-contained clusters providing flexibility and the ability to offer protection to occupants with no external alterations to the building necessary.

“The existing car parking provision provides ample secure parking space for transport, staff and visitors and under the terms of any lease granted, Serco would have exclusive use of thirty car parking spaces adjacent to Stafford Court.

“Once operational, a shuttle service would be provided for people staying at the accommodation to allow journeys to and from appointments and nearby urban centres.”

The Weston Road building was sold off by Staffordshire University in 2014 and most of the accommodation has remained vacant since.

Objectors are concerned that Stafford Court is located close to a number of schools. There are also fears that crime will increase in the area, as well as noise and antisocial behaviour.

An Ascot Road resident said: “I have two children who go to schools nearby.

“The crime rate will rise in our area. I fear for my children’s safety now.”

A Baswich Lane resident said: “The area chosen is not suitable for adult male asylum seekers to be housed. It is positioned directly next to schools, Staffs Police HQ and an affluent housing estate.

“The local area infrastructure is already under significant strain and it is a known fact that homeless Staffordians who wish to remain here are being sent to stay in temporary accommodation in Birmingham because there is no available social housing for the numbers required. This issue needs to be resolved as a priority.

“What do these men have to offer the local community? There is nothing nearby for them to occupy themselves with and a similar scheme in Cannock has led to a spike in crime.

“Stafford is entirely the wrong place for this type of misguided act of charity.”

A Bayswater Square resident said: “An occupancy of 482 people in such a small space, particularly when there is nothing else to do will invite group gatherings which in turn leads to intimidation of local residents and concerns with regards to increased noise and the possibility of increased crime rates. I also am concerned with regards to the appropriateness of having this development situated within 100m of two schools.

“Having a condensed population in a small area also encourages ‘ghetto’ like developments. A better option would be to disperse them throughout town to encourage integration into the community rather than segregation on the outskirts of town.”

There are also worries about the potential impact on local services.

A John Amery Drive resident said: “It’s over the road from a high school – not an appropriate place for it.

“Stafford is deprived enough and doesn’t have many prospects for the people already living here. We don’t have enough doctors or school places for the people already living here and the hospital can’t cope.”

A Widecombe Avenue resident said: “Resources like hospitals are already at a stretch. Whilst it is terrible as to why they are seeking asylum Stafford needs to put better infrastructure in to cope with any additional pressures.”

A Norton Canes resident said: “Surely this property could be used to help homeless people. Or the land could be used to create more homes for young buyers struggling to get onto the property ladder, or maybe even single parents or people who are struggling financially.

“Why hand out help before helping your own?”

But a Sandon Road resident said: “I support this application. The buildings are not being used and we should be looking for ways to support those who are in great need.”

Serco stated on its consultation website: “Through our close engagement with local police authorities, we are advised that crime has not increased in areas where any of our properties are located.

“Serco advises people staying at our accommodation not to congregate in groups, as we are mindful that some members of the local community could perceive this as unsettling. We do not anticipate noise levels to be significantly high and as the property will be staffed 24 hours a day, this will be closely managed.”