Concerns have been voiced after it emerged former student halls in Buxton could become an asylum dispersal centre under proposals being put forward by the University of Derby.

High Peak Halls have been empty since 2019 and the University is in the process of applying to High Peak Borough Council for a certificate which would allow the space to be used by non-students.

Although no mention of who would be housed in it, the accommodation off Bridge Street has been made in the application and the University confirmed to the Glossop Chronicle the intention is to house refugees.

A spokesperson at the University of Derby said: “The University of Derby, like many in the local community, believes that we should support those in need whenever we can.

“We have decided to make this space available to provide short term accommodation for vulnerable people coming to the UK as refugees.

“We are fortunate to be in a position where we can provide some limited help to individuals who have fled their country.”

When in use, the Halls accommodated 286 students who each had their own bedrooms and bathroom and had shared kitchen facilities.

The University spokesperson said: “We will work with the local community to ensure that they are fully informed and that they benefit from this important space being revived and put to positive use.”

However, many in the local community are opposed to the proposed new use, with many people highlighting the lack of services for existing residents including access to GPs and health services.

The University’s plans have been described by as “madness” and “not the right place at all. It would be a disaster for Buxton” with suggestions for the building to be used instead as an affordable care home or sheltered housing for older people.

High Peak’s MP Robert Largan is also against the current plans for the town centre site, commenting: “I’m supporting our local police and opposing these plans. Buxton town centre is the wrong place for a large-scale Asylum Dispersal Centre.”

He said police have stated the location would be “unsuitable” and have said that “persons with existing vulnerabilities would be put at risk”.

The MP added: “But this is just a symptom of a much wider problem. Last year, some 45,000 people illegally entered the UK by small boat. All travelled through multiple safe countries in which they could have claimed asylum.

“That’s why I’m supporting the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to fix our broken asylum system, get control of our borders and stop the boats.”

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