North Yorkshire Council urges government to reconsider asylum plan at Linton-on-Ouse
Council and MPs write to Government over concerns
North Yorkshire Council has formally requested the government to reassess plans for accommodating asylum seekers at the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse site.
Cllr Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire Council, outlined the combined concerns in a letter to Rt Hon Anna Turley, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, arguing that the site is unsuitable for large-scale asylum accommodation due to its isolated rural location and inadequate local infrastructure.
While acknowledging the UK’s obligations toward asylum seekers, the council voiced significant issues surrounding the site, including proximity to residential areas, a village primary school, and limitations of amenities such as transport, water supply, and sewerage capacity.
Cllr Les also argues there has not been meaningful consultation prior to the proposal's announcement.
He also raised concerns over the wellbeing of asylum seekers themselves, pointing out limited opportunities for integration, employment, and access to essential services.
The letter also questioned the use of public funds required to make the site operational given its decommissioned state, advocating for alternative accommodation that better balances the needs of asylum seekers and host communities.
The council pointed to a wider impact on future growth and regeneration, arguing the proposal could undermine recent progress within Linton-on-Ouse and surrounding areas.
The letter has also been signed by local MPs Sir Julian Smith, Kevin Hollinrake, Rishi Sunak, Tom Gordon, Sir Alec Shelbrooke and Rachael Maskell.
What do the Government say?
The Home Office says the former MoD site at Linton-on-Ouse is being considered as temporary accommodation for single adult male asylum seekers while their claims are processed, as part of the government's plan to end the use of hotels.
It says the site would provide basic, safe, largely self-sufficient accommodation, with 24-hour security, on-site support and healthcare provision, and would operate for a minimum of three years if approved. The proposal is still subject to feasibility assessments, planning permission and other approvals, and no final decision has been made.