What might James Cleverly's new role mean for Wethersfield migrant plan?

The Home Office wants to accommodate up to 1,700 male adults at MDP Wethersfield

Some living in the new Home Secretary's constituency hope he will reconsider plans to use a military base to house up to 1,700 asylum seekers.

The first migrants moved into MDP Wethersfield, near Braintree, in July. The site was chosen by the Home Office.

The former RAF base is in the constituency served by new Home Secretary James Cleverly.

Mr Cleverly has previously said the site was not "appropriate for asylum accommodation".

As Foreign Secretary, Mr Cleverly said he had spoken to the Immigration minister highlighting "the remote nature of the site, the limited transport infrastructure and narrow road network".

It is thought between 400 and 500 migrants are currently living in refurbished barracks or temporary accommodation.

Alan MacKenzie, who chairs the campaign group SWAP against the use of Wethersfield as a prison or asylum seeker accommodation, said Mr Cleverly's opposition was "something that surely he has to carry through" as Home Secretary

Alan MacKenzie, who chairs the campaign group SWAP, which is against the use of Wethersfield as a prison or asylum seeker accommodation, said Mr Cleverly's opposition was "something that surely he has to carry through as policy when he gets into the Home Office".

He said Mr Cleverly was "supportive of the community having a far greater say on what goes on that airbase".

"So there is an element of hope that something can be gained," said Mr MacKenzie, adding there was an "opportunity to stop now and take a look at the situation".

Nick Godley wonders what Mr Cleverly's new role might mean for the Wethersefield plan

Wethersfield Parish Council chairman Nick Godley, speaking to the BBC in a personal capacity, said: "A few months ago at a public meeting in the village he did say how opposed he was to using our airbase as an asylum centre.

"I think that must be very difficult for him now that he will be effectively in charge of the project."

A special development order (SDO) from the Home Office to use Wethersfield for three years is expected to be applied for in the house of commons before Christmas. If any MP objects there would have to be a vote in parliament to approve it.

"I have funny feeling that [James Cleverly] will find over the intervening months somehow he will feel that things have changed and that perhaps it is not such a bad idea to use the site after all," said Mr Godley. "When it comes to the crunch he will be able to support that SDO".

• Airbase could be used for three years for migrants

• Emergency planning law for asylum centres defended

• Housing of asylum seekers to go ahead at ex-RAF site

Braintree District Council has taken High Court legal action against the Home Office in a bid to stop the site being used.

A decision is expected soon.