Stow Bridge migrant hostel turned down
A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a migrant workers' hostel in Stow Bridge has been turned down by planners.
The plans have been scrapped amid disputed allegations of racism.
Around 60 people packed into a development board control meeting, anxious to hear councillors' verdict on the scheme which would have seen Crown House, on West Head Road, coverted into a hostel for up to 50 men and women.
The application met with angry opposition amid concerns the village would be unable to sustain the population influx.
Residents last month rallied to collect a 100-signature petition.
Speaking for the applicant Downham-based architect Ian Cable told the board last Monday other applications in the area had not received the same levels of opposition and felt the response to the plans "could be considered racial discrimination".
The hostel would provide workers with catering and recreation facilities and a warden would be on site at all times.
Mr Cable said his client was willing to accept temporary permission for a year, and asked the board not the judge migrant workers, many of whom are working to fund their higher education.
However, residents flatly denied racism was involved.
Garth McCarron, representing the residents, said an eight per cent population increase was not sustainable and the hotel could "destroy the cohesiveness" of the community.
He highlighted the village's lack of facilities, including pubs, buses and shops, and said there was a limited number of doctors and dentists in the area.
Mr McCarron said the village had experienced problems with litter, noise and "minor acts of criminal damage" when students had previously used the building, a former study centre, despite there being three to four teachers supervising them.
A statement from councillor Trevor Manley said some residents' comments had "bordered on racial discrimination" but he was concerned about what workers would do in their recreation time.
Reacting to the planners' decision, Tricia McCarron, who organised the petition, said residents were "very pleased" with the decision and hoped it would "be an end to it".
Mrs McCarron added residents had been "very disappointed" by allegations of racism.
"This is not about race, it's concern about the sheer volume of people involved. It doesn't matter what their colour, race or background is, 50 people is too many."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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