Residents of Farnborough have been left raging after a block of luxury flats was removed from the housing market to make way for asylum seekers.
An exclusive GB News report reveals that the apartments, worth £1,400PCM each, were taken down in a secret plan by the Home Office to house migrants instead.
The multi-million pound conversion of a former office block will now house up to 300 asylum seekers, after being first available to locals of Farnborough.
The new luxury complex will feature 113 new apartments of one, two and three bedroom duplexes for those who have arrived in the UK.
The brand new apartment complex in Farnborough will house up to 300 asylum seekers
GB News
Speaking to locals of the area, one resident told GB News that they were "kept in the dark" about the plans.
The building will house asylum seekers next to an existing residential building of Britons.
Resident Chris Wilson told GB News reporter Adam Cherry that there were previously rumours of the plans, but now they have been revealed as "fact".
Wilson added that he has since seen authorities moving furniture into the building to prepare for the new arrivals.
Wilson explained: "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.
"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."
Farnborough resident Chris Williams says locals have been 'kept in the dark' about the plans
GB News
Rushmoor Borough Council have claimed the Home Office has kept them "completely out of the loop" on the plans for the apartments.
Labour Councillor Mike Roberts told GB News that the Home Office "apply their rights" with the housing of asylum seekers.
Roberts revealed the council "haven't been told" when they can expect the migrants to arrive at the accommodation.
Conservative Councillors for Rushmoor Borough Council told GB News in a statement: "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."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being put on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country over recent years.
"We continue to work across Government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options to reduce the unacceptable use of hotels which cost £8million a day.
"The Government remains committed to engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders as part of this process."
