Cleverly halts major plan to use luxury flats for asylum seekers after backlash from fuming locals

Cleverly halts major plan to use luxury flats for asylum seekers after backlash from fuming locals

GB News investigates Home Office plans to repurpose flats for migrants

GB News
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 09/01/2024

- 22:15

Updated: 10/01/2024

- 09:44

GB News first reported on the plans last week

Home Office proposals to repurpose more than 100 new apartments into an asylum seeker centre for up to 300 migrants have been paused with immediate effect.

An exclusive GB News report revealed that the apartments in Farnborough, worth £1,400PCM each, were taken down in a secret plan by the Home Office to house migrants instead.


The new luxury complex was set to feature 113 new apartments of one, two and three-bedroom duplexes for those who have arrived in the UK.

However, MP for Aldershot, Leo Docherty announced this afternoon that the plans have been halted.

James Cleverly in Kigali

Home Office proposals to repurpose more than 100 new apartments into an asylum seeker centre for up to 300 migrants have been paused with immediate effect

GETTY

Writing on social media, he said: "Following my meeting with the Home Secretary last night, I have just received an update from him confirming a pause in the plans to place asylum seekers in Pinehurst Hill Side, Farnborough.

"I am very grateful indeed to the Home Secretary for listening to my concerns, as well as those of Rushmoor Borough Council and local residents."

After speaking to locals of the area, one resident told GB News that they were "kept in the dark" about the plans.

Resident Chris Wilson said: "We understand from some time ago there were rumours that it was going to be used for housing asylum seekers, and then the rumour became facts.

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"In fact, my own personal view is that we presented with a rather a fait accompli."

Wilson continued: "We first of all saw single mattresses going in and curtains have been going up, tables and chairs and small lounge furniture.

"We've heard since that the council has put objections in, but they've had no reply from Home Office."

Rushmoor Borough Council have claimed the Home Office has kept them "completely out of the loop" on the plans for the apartments.

Farnborough flatsThe brand new apartment complex in Farnborough will house up to 300 asylum seekersGB News

Labour Councillor Mike Roberts told GB News that the Home Office "apply their rights" with the housing of asylum seekers.

In a statement, Conservative Councillors for Rushmoor Borough Council said: "We realise there is a national issue for housing asylum seekers. However, within our own borough, we have critical housing shortages because of the general circumstances.

"And for this reason, we firmly believe that the properties in Rushmoor should be for the local people at the moment."

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