On Monday 26 June Planning Inspector Gareth Jones allowed the appeal by Serco - you can read the decision letter in full (pdf 519.5kb)
We have received legal advice that there are no grounds for a successful Judicial Review of this decision. Read the full legal opinion.
Appeal Inquiry: Planning Inspectorate Reference: APP/Y3425/W/23/3315258
A public inquiry took place in May in relation to an appeal by Serco against the decision of Stafford Borough Council to refuse planning permission for the ‘change of use’ of former student halls of residence to asylum seeker accommodation.
The inquiry was heard by Planning Inspector, Gareth Jones, who was appointed by the Secretary of State.
About the public inquiry
It was held over four days, Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 May at Stafford Rugby Union Football Club, and the fourth day, Tuesday 23 May took place online.
Members of the public expressed their views as part of proceedings and you can see more from each day from:
Day 1: Tuesday 16 May 2023 - View the recording of the Public Inquiry on YouTube (Day 1)
Day 2: Wednesday 17 May 2023 - View the recording of the Public Inquiry on YouTube (Day 2)
Day 3: Thursday 18 May 2023 - View the recording of the Public Inquiry on YouTube (Day 3)
Day 4: Tuesday 23 May 2023 - Online - Listen to the Public Inquiry on YouTube (Day 4)
Evidence submitted to the Planning Inspectorate
The Council and the Appellants in this appeal have exchanged proofs of evidence that may be viewed below.
The Core Documents library also includes the Inquiry documents and the background documents the Appellants and Council consider may be referred to at the Inquiry and will continue to be developed and updated in the run-up to the Inquiry and also whilst the Inquiry is sitting.
Not all documents relating to the planning application appear in the Core Documents library. If the document you are looking for is not here our planning portal has further information, view using the button below.
Some documents have been produced by a third party and may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
For the AppellantFor the Council: Stafford Borough Council