Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative MP for the area, said he appreciated there would be concerns among residents and had met the immigration minister to discuss the plans.

Mr Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: “I have been assured the time limit for any asylum seekers to remain at the site will be 180 days and I have ensured the minister is clear this must be stuck to, to ensure those waiting for decisions are not unduly delayed.

“It is crucial those being processed are housed in suitable and appropriate settings, with recreation and social facilities to enable those individuals to live as normal a life as possible.”

Others in the village were more enthusiastic about the prospect.

Jane Smith, 65, who has lived in the village for 13 years said: “(The houses) should be filled with whoever needs them, and we’re a lovely friendly village so whoever comes the majority of us will welcome.

“As most of us are concerned, it’s a crime to have empty houses and we need to get them filled up as soon as possible.”