Theo Clarke calls for Judicial Review of Beaconside
It is disappointing Stafford Borough Council will not consider my call for a Judicial Review (JR) of the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to allow Beaconside to be used for large-scale asylum seeker accommodation.
I hope it will change its mind, especially when it is clear local people want action and remain very concerned about the site being used to house nearly 500 people who will stretch local services.
I am not persuaded a JR would be as expensive as the council suggests and, in the spirit of transparency, it might be a good idea for it to publish the legal advice it has received that states a JR would not have a reasonable chance of success.
I suspect the new council’s heart is not in doing all it can to stop Beaconside or at least delay it while the government’s Illegal Migration Bill starts to do its work in stopping the boats.
I fear that is a political decision and not one in the best interests of Stafford residents.
In the meantime, I will certainly work with the council to ensure the government puts in the necessary support for the town in the event the asylum seekers arrive. That is important work in our residents’ best interests.
