Local representatives call for rethink over two proposed houses
Two Llandudno town councillors have formally asked the UK Government to withdraw plans to accommodate asylum seekers in the seaside town, writing directly to the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum.
Gogarth Mostyn councillor Gareth Probert and Tudno councillor Alan Davies, both representing Reform, have urged Anna Turley to abandon Home Office proposals to use two properties in Llandudno as asylum accommodation. According to the councillors and reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the scheme would see up to twelve people housed in two houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in the town.
Conwy County Council has also told the Home Office it does not support the plans after being consulted and assessing the suitability of the proposed accommodation. The council said that responsibility for providing asylum accommodation rests with the Home Office and that it could not disclose details of accommodation procured by the department.
“Llandudno residents should be listened to. At a time when people across our community are struggling to find suitable housing, it is entirely reasonable to question these proposals and demand answers from the Home Office. We are calling on the Minister to listen to Llandudno, consider the concerns that residents have, and withdraw their plans immediately.”
The councillors’ letter follows an earlier period during which local representatives were reportedly advised that speaking publicly about the proposals could risk breaching their code of conduct after a council briefing. The apparent restriction on comment prompted frustration among some councillors who say residents need clarity and a voice in decisions that affect local housing and community resources.
Local concerns and what is known
From the available information, the key facts in the dispute are clear:
- The Home Office is understood to have procured two properties in Llandudno for asylum accommodation.
- The intended capacity is reported as twelve people across the two accommodations.
- Conwy County Council assessed the sites and advised the Home Office that it did not support the proposals.
Councillors have highlighted the context of local housing pressure as the central reason for their objection. They say the conversion of one property to an HMO is of particular concern because the building currently serves another use, though the precise former use has not been disclosed by local authorities or the Home Office.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Properties proposed | 2 |
| Planned occupants | 12 asylum seekers (reported) |
| Local councillors objecting | Gareth Probert, Alan Davies (Reform) |
| Local authority position | Conwy County Council advised it did not support the proposals |
At present, the Home Office has not provided details publically through the council, and the authority says it cannot disclose particulars of accommodation procured by the department. That leaves residents and local representatives seeking greater transparency about site selection, support arrangements and the impact on local services.
Community impact and next steps
The councillors’ intervention signals that the debate over asylum accommodation is likely to continue at a local level. Key local concerns include:
- Whether the properties are suitable for conversion to HMOs and the potential impact on neighbouring properties.
- How the arrival of people seeking asylum would be supported locally, including access to housing, health and social services.
- Transparency from central government about why Llandudno was chosen and how the locations were assessed.
For now, the matter rests with the Home Office. The letter from the two councillors asks the minister to reconsider and withdraw the proposals, citing community unease and existing housing pressures in Llandudno. Local residents and elected members will be watching for a formal response from the department and any further communication from Conwy County Council.
As the situation develops, residents seeking information should look to official communications from Conwy County Council and the Home Office for confirmed details.
