Understand
Fear and confusion in Stoke Heath over plans to house homeless people from London
Overview
Residents in Stoke Heath, Shropshire, have expressed fear and confusion over proposals by Enfield Council to rent new-build properties on Dutton Close for homeless families from London. The village previously fought off plans to house asylum seekers at the site. Local residents, parish councillors, Shropshire Council, and local MP Mark Pritchard have raised significant concerns, arguing that the rural location lacks adequate public transport, services, and support facilities, and that the homes should instead be allocated to local people on housing waiting lists. Enfield Council stated that no final decisions have been made and no households have been placed yet.
Key points
- Residents in Stoke Heath, Shropshire, are concerned over proposals by London's Enfield Council to rent properties on Dutton Close for homeless people.
- The site previously faced local opposition regarding plans to house up to 83 asylum seekers, which were scrapped in July following intervention from the Home Secretary.
- Shropshire Council raised "significant concerns" with Enfield Council, citing the rural location's poor transport links and lack of essential support services.
- Local residents and Parish Councillor Mark Gilbert argued that the homes should instead be sold or rented to local families.
- Local MP Mark Pritchard described Dutton Close as a completely inappropriate site for relocating people from urban London into a rural area.
- Enfield Council stated that no decision has been made and no households have been placed at the location yet.