Carmarthenshire Council has taken legal action against a number of companies and business directors in an attempt to prevent asylum seekers from being housed in Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

The hotel plans to accommodate up to 241 individuals, despite concerns raised by local residents and the UK's Refugee Council.

The council's leader, Darren Price, announced that legal proceedings have been initiated against Gryphon Leisure Limited, Sterling Woodrow Limited, Clearsprings Ready Homes Limited, Robert Horwood and Gareth Street. The objection is to the hotel's proposed change of use without obtaining planning permission.

The case is scheduled to be heard at the High Court in London on Friday 7 July 2023. The council refrained from further comment to respect the ongoing legal process.

Concerns raised over asylum plans

Amidst the controversy surrounding the housing of asylum seekers in Stradey Park Hotel, Welsh Senedd member Andrew RT Davies, who represents South Wales Central, has expressed his understanding of the concerns raised by the local community.

The decision to house asylum seekers in the hotel has sparked discontent both among residents and the Refugee Council. The Home Office, however, defended the plans, stating that they were necessary and that they were taking the views of the community into account.

Date set for arrival of asylum seekers at Stradey Park Hotel

The Home Office has announced that asylum seekers will begin occupying Stradey Park Hotel from 3 July 2023, citing the strain on the asylum system caused by the high number of individuals seeking accommodation. More than 51,000 asylum seekers are currently being housed in hotels across the country, at a cost to UK taxpayers of £6 million per day.

The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to reducing the reliance on hotel accommodation for asylum seekers.