The final day of a public inquiry regarding an appeal against Stafford Borough Council’s decision to refuse an asylum centre in the town will be heard online. 

The Borough Council’s Planning Committee rejected an application by Serco - who work on behalf of the Home Office - to allow the former Staffordshire University student halls of residence on the town’s Weston Road to become accommodation for asylum seekers. 

Serco appealed the council’s decision with a public hearing taking place in front of Planning Inspector, Gareth Jones, at Stafford Rugby Club over three days last week.  

Now a fourth day for legal discussions is going ahead online on Tuesday (23 May). 

People can find out more information, and will be able to watch the online proceedings live, from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/public-inquiry 

The council wrote to more than 1,000 people regarding the appeal with a number of residents given the opportunity to speak at the inquiry. The planning inspector is likely to make a decision on the appeal next month. 

Members of the public can also see video from the first three days of the hearing at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/public-inquiry

Press Release No 6031