Anger has flared in a Scottish town amid claims a former care home could be used to house hundreds of migrants—claims the local council has now firmly rejected. Officials have been forced to address the speculation as a controversial planning application continues to draw scrutiny.
Angus Council confirmed there is no evidence to support suggestions that the disused building in Forfar will be used for asylum seekers, as councillors agreed on Tuesday to carry out a site visit before reaching a final decision. The proposal would see the former care facility converted into a 35-bed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation). More than 600 objections were submitted by residents, although around 160 were later removed by council officials on the grounds they contained material deemed “variously untrue, inaccurate, or likely to provoke unrest, hatred or harm.”
Lochbank Manor is permanently closed (Image: Google Maps)
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Angus Council has denied that properties will be used to accommodate migrants (Image: Getty)
Lochbank Manor, which closed as a care home in 2024, became the focus of local concern after Veriton Group lodged its planning application in October last year.
Both the developer and Angus Council have repeatedly denied that the property is intended to accommodate migrants or asylum seekers.
In a letter published in December, Veriton Group stated: “The proposal does not relate to the housing of asylum seekers or immigrants at Lochbank Manor.”
The company said it had been working with housing associations across England and Scotland that support groups such as veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, and people experiencing homelessness.
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The developer 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 reiterated this position, saying: “Contrary to some speculation, there is no indication that it will be a home for people seeking asylum.”
Despite those assurances, some residents remain unconvinced. 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.”
The issue has also heightened tensions locally. 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. David Gardner, a former community councillor and party member, set up a Facebook group titled “Forfar Concerned Residents – Lochbank.”
David Gardner argued: “An influx of migrants would lead to increased crime.” He described his position as “common sense” rather than misinformation.
Angus Council has criticised what it called “inaccurate or malicious speculation” surrounding the plans, warning such claims risk damaging community cohesion. A spokesman for the Homeland Party, however, defended the objections: “This is a genuine grassroots local campaign involving more than 650 formal objectors.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Angus Council for further comment.
