Llantwit Major homes for refugees look like a prison, say locals

The council’s planning committee was expected to consider the application for the site next month, but it was delayed until July due to9 the general election.

Residents opposing the development set up an action group and raised more than £7,000 in days to secure legal support.

“It looks like a prison, and it feels like a prison,” said Dave Thomas, 61, from the action group.

Mr Thomas, who has lived on Pembroke Place, next to the site, for 29 years with his family, said: “How can planning make a fair decision now, it feels pre-determined as they’ve already spent £25m on this.

“They are not going to take them away after spending that much money on them.”

“We thought it was going to help people fleeing their country and would be temporary.”

“It looks like a prison, and it feels like a prison. And yet it was meant to be a welcoming place for refugees.”

“It’s the least welcoming place.”