Call for judicial review to block Stafford asylum seeker plans
Stafford Borough Council has been urged to push for a judicial review to block a student halls from being taken over by nearly 500 asylum seekers.
As part of a Home Office scheme Serco is planning to place up to 481 male migrants at Stafford Court on Beaconside, despite mass opposition from the local community.
The scheme was rejected by Stafford Borough Council last year but has been given the green light after Serco appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.
Stafford MP Theo Clarke has now called on council chiefs to push for a judicial review in a bid to get the ruling overturned.
It came as local businesses Hearts and Hands announced plans to move from its site opposite Stafford Court over safety concerns linked to the proposed development.
Ms Clarke has written to Stafford Borough Council chief executive Tim Clegg urging him to formally challenge the Planning Inspectorate's decision.
In her letter, Ms Clarke said she was "deeply disappointed" with the planning inspector's decision. She described the site as "wholly inappropriate" due to its proximity to local schools, a university campus, police headquarters and a large housing estate.
