THE MP for Delyn has written a letter to the UK Government's Minister of Immigration, calling on Northop Hall to be ruled out as an option for asylum accommodation.

A pre-application consultation was launched earlier this month regarding plans to turn the 37-bedroom hotel into emergency accommodation for asylum seekers. 

The new owner of the hotel, Payman 3 Holdings Ltd, intends to apply for the use of the hotel and installation of modular accommodation for a temporary period of up to seven years.

The scheme would provide Initial Accommodation for approximately 400 single adult men under The Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts operated by Clearsprings Ready Homes (CRH) - the Home Office appointed operator in Wales.

But, Delyn MP Rob Roberts claims, if approved, the plans would 'see a miserable situation being thrust upon good people'.

Mr Roberts has written a letter to Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick, calling on the venue to be ruled out of any consideration for asylum accommodation.

READ MORE: Village hotel in Flintshire could become accommodation for 400 asylum seekers

In the letter dated March 29, Mr Roberts wrote: "Before I relay the concerns of my Delyn constituents, I want to assure you that I fully support the UK Government and the Home Secretary's plans to stop the illegal crossings as officials predict that 80,000 people could make the journey this year.

"Illegal migration must be stopped so that we can save lives and not have people making dangerous and life-threatening journeys across the channel."

Commenting on potential housing for asylum seekers, the letter added: "You also said in your statement to the House today "that the Government needs to minimise the impact of these sites on communities" and so it is with that in mind I am writing to you."

Mr Roberts continued: "I recently met, on a very constructive basis, with the Deputy Director for Resettlement, Asylum, Support and Integration about the proposed site at Northop Hall and the outrage this has caused in the village and surrounding area.

"You went on to say in your statement "basic health care will be available, around the clock security will be available on site." Minister, if that is the case, I must make you aware on that basis alone Northop Hall is wholly unsuitable for potentially housing 400 people, apparently all single males, in a village of around 1,000 with a significantly elderly population.

"The village only has one small shop, one village pub, shockingly poor transport links and no doctors, dentists or medical facilities in a health board area that has been in special measures for almost eight years.

"All this before considering the security aspect of how the people of the village will be protected, particularly the residents and businesses whose properties are on the same site as the hotel will be directly impacted."

"Your statement said "Inaction is not an option" and whilst I agree I, along with hundreds of constituents, say Northop Hall should not be an option as it would see a miserable situation being thrust upon good people."

Over the last couple of weeks, Northop Hall Community Council, as well as local county councillors Linda Thew and Marion Bateman, have held open days regarding the plans as part of a pre-application planning process.

The turnout has, according to Mr Roberts, been 'phenomenal' with a huge number of residents 'expressing their horror' at the prospect of the site being used for asylum accommodation.

Mr Roberts' letter added: "It's not a racist, xenophobic or intolerant attitude. It's an attitude that confirms that the facilities, infrastructure and suitability of that location are severely lacking.

"Please, listen to what my constituents are saying and write back to me to confirm that you will categorically rule Northop Hall out of plans to house people awaiting processing."

Mr Roberts is urging people to take part in a consultation regarding the plans. To share your views, please email info@northopia.co.uk.