The Home Office has been 'condemned' over the secrecy and lack of transparency over its plans to turn a former RAF base into housing for asylum seekers.
West Suffolk Council called an urgent meeting following the government's announcement last week to utilise the former RAF Barnham for housing.
It has proven controversial with hundreds of protesters demonstrating outside the base at the weekend.
The meeting lasted just under an hour and ended with councillors unanimously backing a motion to voice their concerns to the Home Office.
In a message to the community, leader of West Suffolk Council Cliff Waterman said: "We understand your concerns. I appreciate your concerns are not based in a kind of knee-jerk reaction about immigration or asylum or anything like that.
"We share those concerns, and we're determined to make sure that the Home Office understands them and acts appropriately in accordance with it."
Councillors across the district have raised concerns about the suitability of the site.
Councillor Jon London described the plans as "egregious" and "lacking democratic oversight."
Cllr Andrew Smith, local member for Barnham, said: "I absolutely condemned the veil of secrecy that, for me, only came to light what was being proposed after the embargo was lifted at 10:30pm on Thursday.
"That is not how to do proper consultation with any community, and no, I was shocked and horrified, as was the actual parish council and the community in Barnham."
Cllr Joe Mason said the influx in population would "overwhelm" the community.
The meeting was proposed by the leader of West Suffolk Council, Cllr Cliff Waterman and seconded by the councillor for Barnham, Cllr Andrew Smith.
Barnham Parish Council has also raised concerns.
Councillor John Bauer said: "We are asking for fairness and proportionality."
Other councillors say the site is not appropriate due to its proximity to a school.
Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger of Suffolk County Council said: "There is understandable concern about the site's proximity to Barnham Primary School."
The motion has received unanimous support from West Suffolk Council.
Share