Farnborough: Asylum seekers' flats plan on hold after concerns

The government has paused plans to accommodate up to 346 asylum seekers in an empty block of flats.

Rushmoor Borough Council and Aldershot MP Leo Docherty previously raised concerns about the plan in Farnborough, Hampshire.

Mr Docherty said the building was "entirely unsuitable" due to its location, type of accommodation and "other factors".

The Conservative MP said he was grateful the plan was being reviewed.

The council said the building's 113 flats were due to be occupied by asylum seeker families in January.

It said its concerns included the potential impact on local services.

Local resident Julian Gill said: "People... will be horrified that the Home Office is able to commandeer luxury apartments, take it over for asylum seekers with very little thought of the impact it will have on the local community."

In a statement, the Home Office said it had a duty to provide safe and secure housing.

It said: "The site in Farnborough will house otherwise destitute families and single adult females, while they await their final asylum decisions.

"We are continuing to work closely with Rushmoor Council, as well as the local NHS and police services, to manage any impact in the area and address the local communities' concerns."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]