Dutton Close, Stoke Heath

Home Office proposal to accommodate asylum seekers at Dutton Close, Stoke Heath 

We understand the concerns raised by residents of Dutton Close and the wider Stoke Heath community about accommodation in the area being used as part of the government’s national asylum dispersal programme. 

The decision to use accommodation for asylum seekers is made by the Home Office and delivered through its contractor, Serco. It's not a decision made by Shropshire Council. 

However, we've been clear and consistent in our discussions with both the Home Office and Serco that we don't believe Dutton Close is a suitable location for this type of accommodation. This is because of its rural location, limited local amenities and transport links, and the potential impact on local infrastructure and services. 

We'll continue to advocate strongly on behalf of local communities. We're making representations at every opportunity and challenging decisions where we believe they're not in the best interests of residents or the people being placed at the accommodation. 

What we know at this stage 

  • The Home Office is responsible for providing accommodation for asylum seekers who need support while their claim is being considered

  • Serco is the Home Office contractor for asylum accommodation in this area 

  • Shropshire Council has been notified of the proposal but didn't make the decision 

  • We understand Serco intends to take a phased approach to placing people at the site

  • Information about individuals placed at this, or any other site, is confidential and is held by the Home Office and its contractor

What we're doing 

Although we're not responsible for choosing or managing asylum accommodation, we do have responsibilities to local communities and to anyone living in Shropshire. We're working closely with partners to make sure the situation is managed safely and responsibly. 

This includes working with the police, the parish council, education and health services, and other local partners. We're also raising concerns at senior levels with both the Home Office and Serco. 

We'll continue to update this page when we have new information that can be shared publicly.

Planning background 

Outline planning permission was granted for 25 dwellings at the site in 2015. The dwellings were approved as open market housing. In line with the planning policy in place at the time, the application was subject to a legal agreement, known as a Section 106 agreement. This required three of the homes to be affordable housing: two affordable rented homes and one low-cost ownership home. 

The planning application reference is 15/00415/OUT. Information about planning applications can be found on our planning pages. 

Related information