Council criticises Home Office's plan for Roman Court asylum housing

Fenland District Council has voiced significant alarm following the Home Office's confirmation that it will move forward with plans to use Roman Court in Leverington as a site for asylum accommodation.

The plans involve converting Roman Court into a 26-bed facility for women and babies seeking asylum.

This decision comes shortly after a fire at the site was treated as arson by police.

Firefighters responded to a blaze in the unoccupied Roman Court building at 7:26 pm on 23rd October, with Cambridgeshire Police called to assist shortly thereafter.

While no injuries were reported, the building sustained severe damage, leading police to initiate an arson investigation.

Fenland District Council had previously expressed concerns about the tensions within the community due to these plans.

A council spokesperson stated, "We urge anyone with information about this incident to provide it to the police, and we robustly add our voice to calls for all objections to be made peacefully and within the law."

Cllr Sam Hoy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for housing, reiterated concerns over community safety and unrest related to the planned accommodation, stating, "What is particularly troubling is that the Home Office has chosen to proceed at a time when there has already been significant unrest linked to these plans."

Countering the council's objections, the Home Office assured that the site's operation will depend on meeting essential legal and regulatory requirements. Their spokesperson emphasised, "The safety of local communities will always be our highest priority, and the police have our full support in their investigation."

Despite assurances, Fenland District Council continues to advocate against the proposal.