Havant Borough Council is aware of information currently circulating online suggesting that the property at 54 Stockheath Road is to be used to house asylum seekers. This information is incorrect and this property is not going to be used to house asylum seekers.
We would like to take this opportunity to provide clarity and inform residents of the council’s plans for the site.
The premises most recently operated as Fawnhope Rest Home. Havant Borough Council purchased the property in 2024 with the intention of converting the building into temporary accommodation for local families in need. We previously reported the purchase in March 2024 here.
There is an urgent and growing demand for family accommodation within the borough. The council is therefore preparing a planning proposal to convert the property into self-contained units to temporarily house families who have established connections to the local area.
Havant Borough Council’s Housing team will assess eligibility based on those at risk of homelessness or are currently living in temporary accommodation. As part of the assessment, those nominated for a tenancy must prove to have a local connection to the borough.
As a local authority, Havant Borough Council has a statutory duty to provide housing for people who present as homeless. At present, the limited availability of suitable accommodation sometimes requires the council to place families outside of the borough to meet this legal obligation.
This can cause considerable disruption, forcing families to move away from established support networks, and in some cases, requiring children to change schools or nurseries. By creating additional temporary units within Havant, we aim to reduce these pressures and allow more families to remain close to their community while waiting for a permanent home.
As part of the formal planning process, local residents to the site will shortly receive a neighbour notification letter with more detailed information on the proposed development and details of how to submit comments.