Plans to house asylum seekers in a newbuild development in Stoke Heath, Shropshire, have been halted, according to the local Member of Parliament, Mark Pritchard.
The decision follows concerns raised by residents regarding the suitability of the rural location, which lacks nearby amenities and has limited public transport options. The Home Office confirmed that new homes should not be used to house asylum seekers and has implemented policies to prevent such arrangements in the future.
Pritchard stated that a senior Home Office official informed him that any further asylum seekers would not be moved into the Dutton Close development. He added that the asylum seekers already relocated to the site have been moved to another location. A review of the entire scheme is now planned, with the Home Secretary expected to make the final decision.
Residents expressed concerns about the isolation of the development, noting the nearest supermarket is over five miles away and the closest bus stop is a 30-minute walk. Many suggested the newbuild homes should instead be used for affordable housing for local residents.
Serco, a government contractor responsible for housing asylum seekers, had acquired the properties in Dutton Close under the direction of the Home Office. The development, comprising 25 new houses built on a field adjacent to existing 1960s properties, was largely vacant until asylum seekers began moving in approximately two weeks prior to the announcement. The original properties were constructed for staff at a nearby prison.
One asylum-seeking family, who had relocated from Stockport, reported experiencing harassment shortly after moving into the newbuild accommodation. Muhammad Nadeem stated that individuals approached their home, filmed him, and shouted abuse.
The government's broader strategy includes phasing out the use of hotels for asylum seekers by 2029 and transitioning individuals into alternative accommodations, such as properties and former military sites. The Home Office has issued new guidance instructing contractors like Serco to avoid sourcing housing that could be perceived as luxurious or is situated near schools or nurseries.
Local MP Mark Pritchard had previously raised concerns about the Stoke Heath plans in Parliament, describing them as 'ill-conceived.' He noted that neither Serco nor the Home Office attended a meeting with over 100 local residents held to discuss the situation.
A Home Office spokesperson reiterated that new homes are not appropriate for asylum seekers and that robust processes are now in place to ensure sites like Stoke Heath are not considered for future placements. Serco stated that the Home Office dictates the placement of asylum seekers and the number to be accommodated in each area.