Councillors have rejected proposals to convert a former wedding venue into housing for 400 male asylum seekers.
The owners of Northop Hall Country House Hotel in Flintshire had sought to accommodate these individuals in the hotel’s 37 bedrooms and temporary units in the car park for a period of up to seven years.
This plan faced significant opposition, with Flintshire Council receiving 2,500 letters of objection. Critics argued that it was the “wrong plan” in the “wrong place.”
Despite assurances from Payman Holdings 3 Ltd, the owners, that the accommodation would meet high standards of safeguarding and security, the application faced strong local opposition and lacked support from politicians in the area.
The owners have indicated that they will explore other options for the hotel, which they plan to reopen.
Concerns revolved around several key issues, including the absence of local amenities in the village, the hotel’s isolated, semi-rural setting, and limited access to public transportation.
Moreover, many expressed apprehension regarding the crowded living conditions that the men would face, especially within the temporary units, and the added strain on local healthcare services.
During the meeting on Wednesday, Carol Ellis, a member of the planning committee, described the proposal as the most unfavorable she had encountered in all her years of reviewing planning applications. She went on to express that she had no positive remarks to offer.
Following this, the council members proceeded to unanimously decline the application.
