UK Village Residents Fear Property Value Collapse Amid Migrant Housing Plans

Dozens of residents in the North Yorkshire village of Linton-on-Ouse are contemplating selling their homes, citing fears of substantial property value depreciation and community disruption should a former Royal Air Force (RAF) base be repurposed to house over 1,000 asylum seekers. Homeowners are concerned that plans to accommodate up to 1,200 single male asylum seekers at the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse site could lead to losses of up to 20% of their property's value.

The village, with a population of approximately 700, currently lacks essential services such as a GP or police station. Residents worry that the influx of asylum seekers could nearly double the local population. The government is still assessing the suitability of the former military site, and no final decision has been made, though any proposal would require planning permissions and approvals.

Despite the ongoing assessment, the uncertainty has already impacted the community. Data collected by the Linton-on-Ouse Action Group from 404 residents indicated that 60% of surveyed renters are "very likely" to leave if the plans are approved. Additionally, around 35 recently renovated former Ministry of Defence homes on two new-build estates remain vacant, with some residents reporting that prospective tenants are deterred by the prospect of an asylum center nearby. Other estates have seen a high turnover of residents since the proposal was announced.

Some homeowners are already factoring in significant financial losses. Alice Sizer, who moved into her three-bedroom home in 2023, stated she would leave if the plans proceed, estimating a potential loss of £100,000 on her £50,000 investment, possibly receiving only 75% of its value at auction. She expressed concerns about her family growing up in an unsafe environment. Tradesman Luke Feather has already put his house on the market, stating that the asylum plans accelerated his decision to move from the area where he had planned to settle and start a family.

The proposed center would house single men aged 18 to 65 and is intended to operate for a minimum of three years if approved. This plan revives a controversial proposal from 2022 that was abandoned after local opposition. The government views the site as part of its strategy to move asylum seekers out of hotels and into large, basic accommodation.

The potential impact is visible in housing estates around the village. At Linton Place, a development of 20 four-bedroom detached homes, only four are currently rented, according to residents. Annington, the property developer renovating former RAF homes, has seen limited occupancy since the plans became public.

Some residents, however, are not personally alarmed. Igor Jelisejevs, who moved into his home near the base in August, said the plans do not bother him and that it is a shame others are being put off. New father Ayoub Sabir also expressed confidence in the security systems, provided adequate controls are in place.

Local authorities have raised concerns. North Yorkshire Police warned of significant resource demands for potential protests, which could strain policing elsewhere. York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and Deputy Mayor Jo Coles have communicated concerns about policing, emergency services, and community safety to the Home Secretary, citing the site's rural location and limited infrastructure. Six of the seven North Yorkshire MPs and North Yorkshire Council have also formally opposed the proposal, arguing the site is inappropriate and could hinder regeneration and economic growth. The mayor suggested the site would be better utilized for housing, jobs, and investment.

The Home Office stated that the site would have permanent security and the accommodation would be designed to minimize community impact, emphasizing that the proposal is subject to further feasibility studies, planning, and approvals. Annington declined to comment.