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Linton-on-Ouse: Authorities seeks more fourth dimension over asylum concerns

Wrong Plan, Wrong Place sign — Image caption,
Villagers fear the centre will affect on local services and their security

The government has asked for more than fourth dimension to consider council concerns about the opening of an asylum centre for up to 1,500 men at a one-time RAF base of operations.

Hambleton District Council sent the Dwelling house Role a letter in May stating it would mount a legal challenge to stop whatever middle at Linton-on-Ouse nigh York.

The quango said the government had replied seeking a farther extension to formally reply until 15 July.

The Domicile Office said it would "proceed to listen to community feedback."

The proposals, starting time revealed in April, are part of the government's new policy designed to cut the amount spent on housing asylum seekers in hotels.

Epitome source, PA Media

The Abode Office has said the centre at the old RAF station would exist as self-sufficient every bit possible

Opponents have raised concerns virtually the possible impact on residents and local services.

The original letter, sent by council leader Marking Robson outlined why "the Home Function may take acted unlawfully in their intention to use the site at Linton-on-Ouse as a centre for aviary seekers."

It besides "highlights the adverse bear upon on the council, its taxpayers and communities and requires the Home Part to justify its position".

Mr Robson said the authority had now received a "holding response" to the letter with details of the extension.

He said the response said that the secretarial assistant of state was also because the council'south request for a 28-24-hour interval rather than 7-day notice period if a decision was taken to kickoff moving people in to the centre.

Mr Robson said: "We have been further reassured by the Home Function that it agrees that the fourth dimension for commencing any legal proceedings will not outset until information technology has made a concluding conclusion and that this will not be made before xv July when we expect to receive the response."

A Home Office spokesperson said equally information technology continued to "piece of work on the plan for the asylum reception eye... we continue to listen to community feedback."

The spokesperson added "nosotros maintain the site is urgently needed" and would "end the apply of asylum seekers using hotels, which are costing the taxpayer almost £5m a day."

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