Muir of Ord Schoolhouse to become refugee housing despite local objections

An old schoolhouse in Muir of Ord has been granted a licence to house asylum seekers despite objections from residents and the local community council.

The schoolhouse was unanimously awarded a House in Multiple Occupation licence (HMO) at the Highland Licensing Committee meeting earlier today.

The property is situated near Tarradale Primary School on Black Isle Road and the application was submitted by Highland Council.

What are the plans?

The HMO licence ensures properties with several unrelated occupants sharing the same living space have acceptable living conditions and standards.

The property will house up to four asylum seekers aged 16 and over.

According to the Licensing Committee report, work has already started on renovations to the property.

Why were local people against it?

Local homeowner Alasdair Reid lives opposite the schoolhouse. In an email objecting to the plans in advance of the meeting, he said he was “aghast” at the proposal.

“This whole debacle has been shrouded in secrecy,” he said.

“No consultation or notice of change of use has been given to us as neighbours.”

Muir of Ord Community Councillor Gordon Shand raised concerns on behalf of the Council.

He cited the central location of the property in the village, secrecy around renovations and a lack of background checks on the asylum seekers as reasons for concern.

What happened at the meeting?

Mr Shand raised the objections at the meeting on Monday morning.

He said: “The first we knew this was happening was a discussion with the workmen who were carrying out the renovations of the property.

“This lack of information led to a lot of speculation and distrust within the community.”

Following the comments, the chamber was told to disregard many of Mr Shand’s objections as they were not relevant to the HMO application itself.

A spokesperson for the application said: “There was no intention to be secretive.”

“We really understand [Mr Shand’s] concerns in the community, and we will try to match young people into this accomodation appropriately.”

Councillor John Grafton asked what support would be given to those housed in the accomodation.

A second spokesperson for the application said a team of eight part-time workers from various children’s charities would be available to support the asylum seekers.

Speaking in the chamber, Councillor Emma Knox said she “completely understands the objectors’ concerns” but agreed with the motion to approve the application, citing the limitations on considering the objections made.

Councillor Lyndsey Johnston presented a motion to grant the application, which was passed unanimously by the committee.