Shropshire Council has formally urged a London borough authority to abandon proposals to house homeless families in the remote rural village of Stoke Heath, warning that the location is completely unsuitable. The local authority raised deep concerns with Enfield Council after learning that the London authority is exploring private rental properties at Dutton Close to accommodate families to whom it owes a statutory housing duty.
Working alongside Stoke on Tern Parish Council, Shropshire officials wrote to Enfield to register their objections. The properties in question are currently listed for sale or rent on the open market. However, local leaders argue that Dutton Close suffers from severe infrastructure limitations, including poor transport connectivity, a lack of nearby essential services, and an absence of local community facilities.
According to Shropshire Council, these shortcomings would make it exceptionally difficult for incoming families to settle, access necessary support services, and successfully integrate into the wider rural community. While the council acknowledged it possesses no direct legal powers to block Enfield Council from utilizing private rental arrangements on the open market, it is strongly exerting political pressure to halt the plan.
Residents Express Fear and Confusion Over New Plan
The latest development has left residents in Stoke Heath feeling anxious and unsettled, arriving just months after a previous high-profile planning controversy. In July, a separate proposal to accommodate up to 83 asylum seekers in newly built homes at Dutton Close was dropped following intense local opposition and the intervention of the Home Secretary.
Local residents voiced frustration over the latest proposals, pointing out that local families are also struggling with housing needs. One resident described the situation as deeply unsettling, noting that the community feels left in the dark about who might be moving into the area. Others highlighted that moving urban families from London into a rural setting without adequate infrastructure creates significant challenges.
Transport and Support Services Deficits Highlighted
Mark Gilbert, a Stoke upon Tern parish councillor, emphasized that transport remains a major obstacle for anyone moving into the development. He noted that the local bus service is haphazard and that placing someone from an urban center like Enfield into the rural village is comparable to dropping them in an isolated location.
Local MP Mark Pritchard also weighed in on the dispute, describing Dutton Close as a completely inappropriate site. He argued that it is wrong to relocate individuals from an urban London borough into a rural area lacking comprehensive support services. Estate agents in the region have similarly reported strong local demand, suggesting the new-build homes should instead be sold or rented to local applicants on housing waiting lists.
Enfield Council Responds to Accommodation Pressures
Enfield Council defended its exploration of housing options by pointing to severe accommodation pressures facing the London borough. However, the authority confirmed that no final decisions have been made regarding Dutton Close and verified that no households have been placed in the properties yet.
Shropshire Council insists that before considering any relocation of families to north Shropshire, Enfield must thoroughly address all raised concerns and guarantee that any proposed accommodation is genuinely sustainable, appropriate, and adequately supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shropshire Council opposing Enfield Council’s housing plan?
Shropshire Council argues that Dutton Close in Stoke Heath is entirely unsuitable for homeless families from London due to poor transport connectivity, a lack of essential services, and an absence of nearby community facilities.
Can Shropshire Council legally stop the housing placements?
No. Shropshire officials have acknowledged that the council has no direct legal authority to prevent Enfield Council from arranging private tenancies on the open market, but they are applying strong political pressure to stop the plan.
What happened with the previous asylum seeker plan at Dutton Close?
A previous proposal to house up to 83 asylum seekers in newly built homes at Dutton Close was canceled in July following intense local opposition and intervention by the Home Secretary.
What has Enfield Council said in response?
Enfield Council stated that it is exploring housing options due to significant accommodation pressures, but emphasized that no final decision has been made and no families have been placed at the site.
What do local residents and parish councillors want to happen to the homes?
Local residents and parish councillors want the new-build homes at Dutton Close to be sold or rented to local people and families on regional waiting lists rather than imported from London boroughs.
