A public inquiry takes place in Stafford this week following the borough council’s decision to refuse an application for an asylum centre in the town. 

Stafford 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 have appealed the council’s decision and a public hearing will get underway on Tuesday (16 May) at Stafford Rugby Club. The inquiry is expected to last for three days - with a fourth day set aside for legal discussions which will take place online the following week. 

The council wrote to more than 1,000 people who had commented on the previous planning application to invite them to the inquiry - with a number of residents of the public asking to attend and speak as part of the proceedings. 

A government-appointed planning inspector will hear all the arguments from witnesses and interested parties before delivering a decision at a later date. 

For more information and all documents relating to the inquiry go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/public-inquiry 

Press Release No 6026