A former care home in Forfar, Scotland, could be used to house hundreds of migrants, according to rumors. Angus Council has rejected claims that the disused building will be used for asylum seekers. The proposal is to convert the former care facility into a 35-bed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation). More than 600 objections were submitted by residents, with around 160 later removed by council officials for containing material deemed 'variously untrue, inaccurate, or likely to provoke unrest, hatred or harm.'
Lochbank Manor closed as a care home in 2024. Veriton Group lodged its planning application in October 2024. Veriton Group stated in a December letter: 'The proposal does not relate to the housing of asylum seekers or immigrants at Lochbank Manor.' Veriton Group said it had been working with housing associations supporting veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, and people experiencing homelessness. Veriton Group added: 'Nothing is finalised and no group has been selected or considered a front-runner at this early stage of the application process.' An Angus Council spokesman said: 'Contrary to some speculation, there is no indication that it will be a home for people seeking asylum.' Some residents remain unconvinced by the denials.
The proposal does not relate to the housing of asylum seekers or immigrants at Lochbank Manor.
Iain MacKay, 78, told the BBC: 'This isn't the right area to have a 35-room HMO at all. It is beside a park. We don't want lots of strangers coming and going nearby.' A representative from Forfar Against Racism said: 'Forfar has always been a vibrant and welcoming community until November last year. Now we can see and hear the racism building in the town... It has created an atmosphere of fear and division within our community.' Opposition to the proposal has been backed by members of the Homeland Party.
Nothing is finalised and no group has been selected or considered a front-runner at this early stage of the application process.
Contrary to some speculation, there is no indication that it will be a home for people seeking asylum.
This isn't the right area to have a 35-room HMO at all. It is beside a park. We don't want lots of strangers coming and going nearby.