Hambleton DC is to take legal action against Government plans to create a centre for asylum seekers in the district.

Under the plans, more than 1,000 men aged between 18 and 40 would be housed at the former RAF base while their applications are processed.

However, the council said it had 'great concerns' about the lack of consultation on the proposals and the impact it would have on the community.

Council chief executive Justin Ives said: 'We now understand from subsequent conversations this week that the Government has every intention of pressing ahead with the plans.

'In response to this, Hambleton DC has instructed lawyers to start work on mounting a legal challenge of the Government's decision.

'As the local authority, we are extremely disappointed by the lack of consultation and involvement on this so far and have made this clear to Government during our discussions.'

The Government said the centre would reduce the cost of placing asylum seekers in temporary accommodation.

A spokesperson for the Home Office added: 'The asylum reception centre at Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire, will help end our reliance on expensive hotels, which are costing the taxpayer £4.7m a day.

'We are consulting with local stakeholders about the use of the site.'