University building will not house asylum seekers

The Home Office has ruled a proposed asylum centre will not be permitted in a former University of Derby halls of residence in Buxton.

The university and Serco, the Home Office's accommodation provider, wanted to convert the building into an emergency accommodation centre.

University bosses withdrew an application shortly before it was due to be considered by planners in August but had pledged to revise and re-submit the plans.

The proposal had prompted protesters to gather in Buxton's town centre to voice their opposition.

The former halls of residence, which has 274 rooms and shared dining areas, has been empty since 2019.

High Peak MP Robert Largan, who also opposed the proposals, last week held a meeting with Immigration Minister Tom Pursglove before the decision was made by the Home Office.

He said: "The whole of Buxton has been in limbo, not knowing what is going to happen... when are the plans going to reappear?

"The university had said it was going to bring forward another application and so it's been complete uncertainty for the last year."

The plans had been backed by Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity, with the charity's chairman Steve Cooke saying people's fears about crime increasing there were unfounded.

He said: "What people in Buxton need to understand and remember is that asylum seekers, particularly, are extremely motivated not to break the law - because if they break the law, then their asylum claim will be in extreme jeopardy."

The government confirmed a centre for asylum seekers would not be allowed anywhere in Buxton town centre - not just the university building.

A spokesman said: "We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being placed on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country.

"We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options.

"The government remains committed to engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders as part of this process."

High Peak Borough Council Leader Anthony McKeown said he welcomed the decision.

"I know this caused a lot of concern in the community so confirmation that this option is no longer on the table will put many minds at rest," he said.

The University of Derby has been contacted for a response.

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