Clear Springs, a firm used by the Home Office, is consulting on a plan to use the former Plas yn Rhos site in a Wrexham village
Plas yn Rhos in Rhosllanerchrugog (Image: Steve Bagnall)
Concerns have been raised over plans to house asylum seekers in a former care home in North Wales. The proposal is for up to 70 asylum seekers to be housed at Plas yn Rhos in the village of Rhosllanerchrugog.
It is a former local authority sheltered housing facility which closed in 2016. It was put up for sale last year.
Now Clear Springs, a company used by the UK government to source asylum seeker accommodation, is currently consulting about using Plas yn Rhos.
This Friday (January 16), a public meeting will be held regarding the proposal at the Hafod Colliery Club in Rhos from 4.30pm to 6pm.
Wrexham Council Leader Mark Pritchard said “As part of the Home Office consultation process for asylum dispersal accommodation, the council has been contacted regarding the proposed use for the site formally known as Plas yn Rhos.
“The land where Plas yn Rhos is situated was sold by ‘Clwyd County Council’ before the local government re-organisation. (28 February 1989).
“The property is intended for 35 units for families of up to 2 people per unit. We are planning to submit a response within the timescales provided by the Home Office objecting to the proposal.
“The council has been consulted by the Home Office in relation to the property on two previous occasions and both times has strongly opposed the proposed use.
“Any change in use for the building will be subject to normal planning considerations in due course.”
Local councillor Paul Pemberton said: “Local elected councillors, myself, Eddie Roberts, Stephen Jones, David Bithell and Mark Pritchard have been notified over recent days that Clear Springs, a company used by the government to source asylum seeker accommodation, are currently consulting about using Plas y Rhos for approximately 70 asylum seekers. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
“The councillors have booked the Hafod club main hall on Friday afternoon 16th January from 4.30pm to 6pm for a public meeting.”
He urged people in the community to attend.
Steve Witherden, MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr said: “I am aware that a company which sources asylum seeker accommodation are consulting about using the Plas y Rhos site in Rhosllanerchrugog for that purpose.
“Please be assured I am keeping a close eye on this situation and will use all avenues available to ensure that residents’ voices are heard.
“Facts I can confirm so far:
• The building is currently privately owned
• Any change of use will fall under planning procedures, having been assured of that after contacting the Chief Executive of Wrexham County Borough Council
• The decision ultimately lies with the council’s Planning Department
“This means there are several obstacles to the site becoming used to house asylum seekers.
“Wrexham County Borough Council have said they have objected to this twice in the past and will continue to do so. The site was formerly a care facility, and I personally believe that such a use would be more appropriate for the area.”
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