1.1 As part of the Home Office consultation process for asylum dispersal
accommodation, the Council has been contacted by Clear Springs (the Home
Office’s accommodation provider) regarding the proposed use for the site
formally known as Plas yn Rhos, Beech Avenue, Rhosllanerchrugog,
Wrexham.
1.2 The property referred to in the consultation as Elm House, Beech Avenue,
Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham LL14 1AA is intended for 35 units for families
of up to two people per unit. The site is an ex care home physically connected
to a GP practice with shared parking and access from multiple directions. It is
surrounded by residential properties, with an abattoir directly opposite. There
is direct access to the windows and doors of the building and it is very visible
and accessible to the public.
1.3 The consultation process requires we consult with partners including North
Wales Police, the Health Authority, North Wales Fire & Rescue Service and
relevant departments within the Council such as Housing, Education,
Planning and Environmental Health. As an Authority we also have a policy of
consulting with myself, the Deputy Leader, the Lead Member and the local
member. We are planning to submit a response within the timescales
provided by the Home Office objecting to the proposal. North Wales Police
and Health have also not supported the proposal. Our objection
is based on the following grounds :
- Impact on Local Community Safety and community cohesion
- Impact on Healthcare provision – The shared site layout, limited parking and
joint access routes create heightened risks to staff and patient safety and the safety of any potential occupants, particularly given the potential for public unrest and disruption. There is a credible risk of property damage, service interruption and unsafe access during periods of tension.
1.4 The Council has been consulted by the Home Office in relation to the property on two previous occasions in 2022 and 2023 and both times we have strongly
opposed the proposed use. I should advise that not all Home Office
consultations go through to the procurement stage for various reasons.
1.5 Any change in use for the building will be subject to normal planning
considerations in due course.
1.6 In circumstances where the Local Authority objects, Clear Springs will refer the case to the Home Office’s Asylum Adjudication Panel for their consideration.
1.7 Local Members held a public meeting in Rhos on Friday 16 January to which
approximately 700 people attended. Community tensions were very high with
extreme concern expressed against the proposal. In addition, I understand
there is an online petition opposing the development with some 5000
signatories.
2.0 Oak Alyn Hall, Gwersyllt
2.1 As with Plas yn Rhos, Clear Springs formally consulted in October 2025 regarding Oak Alyn Hall to be used as an HMO for 20 single adults.
2.2 This information was disclosed to myself, Deputy Leader, Lead Member and
Local Member as per procedure.
2.3 A multi agency meeting was held to consult with partners. A formal response
was submitted to Clear Springs later in the month objecting to the proposal
on the grounds of community safety, community cohesion.
2.4 Clear Springs submitted the objection to the Home Office’s Asylum Adjudication Panel and we were then informed by the panel that the case had been reviewed and the procurement was to go ahead despite objections. Generally, the approach to asylum accommodation is that a property is purchased by an investor, who make the necessary alterations, get the relevant permissions/licences and then lease it to Clear Springs.
2.5 Officers had a meeting with representatives from the Home Office Full Dispersal Delivery Team to express our continued objection to the decision and our frustration that our consultation response had been disregarded. They undertook to investigate further. I also sent a letter to Welsh Government asking for their support. On 20 November we were contacted by Clear Springs/Ready Homes confirming their decision to proceed with the property.
2.6 A planning application has been submitted to the Authority to convert Oak Alyn to HMO accommodation. There is no reference to it being for asylum
accommodation, however, there is no planning requirement to do so. Clear Springs have since confirmed that they are still pursuing the property.
