Outraged locals react with 'horror' at plan to house 500 asylum seekers in portacabins on MoD land in picture-postcard Hampshire village

Locals have reacted with 'horror' to a proposal to house 500 asylum seekers in portable cabins near a picturesque village near one of the south's busiest trunk roads.

The plan is for the asylum applicants to be stay in the makeshift housing on Ministry of Defence land by the A303 at Barton Stacey, Hants, while their applications are processed.

It is believed the green-belt village, which dates back to the Norman Conquest, is one of several sites under consideration by the Home Office.

But furious local council members have voiced their opposition to the idea, with one saying it would be 'akin to an open prison'. 

Locals have reacted with 'horror' to a proposal to house 500 asylum seekers in portable cabins near the picturesque village of Barton Stacey by one of the south's busiest trunk roads

Parish council leader Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux complained: 'My reaction is one of horror frankly. They are going put all these young people in cabins in open ground near the A303.

'I have absolutely no idea what they will do... 500 young men with nothing to do.'

Brig Prideaux complained that he had 'not been consulted at all' on the proposal.

'That is my whole reason for objecting to it. People will be concerned (about them being here) I am sure local people will be as concerned as I am.'

Similar asylum seeker accommodation at Penally and Napier Army barracks have been recently criticised for 'prison-like' conditions, and allegations that lawyers have been refused access to their clients.

The plan is for the asylum applicants to be stay in the makeshift housing on Ministry of Defence land by the A303 at Barton Stacey, Hants, while their applications are processed

Brig Prideaux has now demanded Home Secretary Priti Patel travels to the village to see 'how unsuitable it is' to host the temporary accommodation.

In a meeting with local MP Caroline Nokes, he said: 'I have suggested (to her) that the Home Secretary comes down and look at the site herself then she will understand how suitable it is.

'Caroline was very supportive.'

Other councillors have raised concerns that poor housing conditions could lead to 'anti-social behaviour and criminality'. 

Phil North, the leader of Test Valley Borough Council, and Caroline Nokes have set up petition to try and get the Home Office to change their mind.

Brig Nicholas Prideaux has demanded Home Secretary Priti Patel travels to the village to see 'how unsuitable it is' to host the temporary accommodation

'I completely understand the argument about disincentivising dangerous channel crossings facilitated by criminal gangs of people smugglers.

'But whether you think this country should house more asylum seekers or not, putting these individuals up in temporary buildings akin to an open prison is the wrong accommodation in the wrong location.'

He claimed the cabins would be used to accommodate 'young men' from Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Eritrea who have 'come into the UK on boats'. 

'I'd be grateful if you would consider adding your name to show the strength of feeling locally,' added Mr North.

Caroline Nokes said the site would infringe rules on development. 

Similar asylum seeker accommodation at Penally and Napier Army barracks have recently been criticised for 'prison-like' conditions, and allegations that lawyers have been refused access to their clients

Mr North said he understood the Home Office would be making its final decision in the next few weeks.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We plan to fix our broken asylum system to make it firm and fair - compassionate to those fleeing oppression, persecution and tyranny but tough on those who abuse our system.

'Given pressure on the system during these unprecedented times, we have worked tirelessly with local authorities and other partners to provide asylum seekers, who would otherwise be destitute, with suitable accommodation – as we are required to do by law.

'Following a review of available government property, the MOD offered temporary use of some of its sites.

'This includes Barton Stacey and we are engaging with leaders and officials at Test Valley and Hampshire councils, local MPs, the police and health services, among others, as we continue to explore this as an option.'