A picturesque village in North Yorkshire with just 700 residents has been selected to accommodate up to 1,200 asylum seekers at a former RAF base, sparking strong opposition from locals who say they were not consulted.

The announcement concerns the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse base, which has been largely empty since flying operations ended in 2019. The site is one of three former military locations the UK government plans to repurpose as part of efforts to close asylum hotels. The other sites are in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and Barnham, Suffolk.

Background and Previous Rejection

This is not the first time the plan has been proposed. Four years ago, under the previous Conservative government, a similar proposal to house up to 1,500 single men at the same base was dropped following fierce local protests and potential legal action. Residents argue the issues remain unchanged: the village has very limited facilities.

• The only shop has been closed for four years.
• There is just one pub.
• Public transport to York is infrequent.

Many fear that housing large numbers of single adult males in a quiet rural community lacks proper support or activities for them.

Local Reactions

Residents expressed shock and frustration at the lack of consultation. Several highlighted concerns about safety, property values, and the village’s character:

• Jackie Holder (77): “If it was 12 to 15 hundred families, I would say ‘come’. But 1,200 men? We are only seven hundred of us in this village…”
• Della Blood (62): Described the plans as “absolutely ridiculous” and “utterly bonkers,” noting that her house sale is now unlikely to proceed.
• Trevor Dawson (76): Questioned how nearby new houses could still sell and criticized the lack of consultation.
• Professor Olga Matthias: Called for a “clearly thought through long term policy” with cross-party support rather than knee-jerk decisions.
• Helen Kirby (74): A previous campaigner against the scheme, expressed disappointment that the current Labour government is pursuing a plan it once criticized.

Many pointed out the apparent inconsistency, noting that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously opposed similar Conservative proposals.

Council Response

North Yorkshire Council leader Cllr Carl Les stated that while the council supports housing asylum seekers in safe conditions, Linton-on-Ouse is not a suitable location. He noted the site was previously deemed inappropriate after thorough review, and the council was disappointed by the lack of prior notification.

A final decision on the plan is expected by the end of 2026.

Government Position

The Home Office aims to close asylum hotels and move people into former military sites. A government spokesperson emphasized that this approach helps bring the asylum system under control.

The story has reignited broader debates about asylum accommodation, integration, and the balance between national policy and local impact in rural communities.

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39607823/village-asylum-seekers/