A private housing association is planning to move more than 80 families from London into an 11-storey former office block as soon as the start of next week.

Tenants will be moving into Anchorage House in Chatham High Street which had been earmarked as a potential home for asylum seekers.

Theori Housing Management Services, based in the East End of the capital, speciaIises in working with local authorities in London to provide accommodation for homeless people.

The company has been asked for clarification on whether they provide any welfare and educational services.

The company has told KentOnline exclusively that the building, which used to be home to Medway County and Family Court, has been fully refurbished “to the highest standards” and all 81 units are self-contained family homes.

Theori, which has 23 years experience of working in this sector, will provide management and maintenance on behalf of the owner and will work with local councils to provide much-needed temporary accommodation, particularly in areas where there is a housing crisis.

It has not been confirmed which local authorities are involved with the scheme.

MP for Rochester and Strood Kelly Tolhurst said: “Whilst it is good news that new accommodation is becoming available for people who are in need of a home, I am extremely concerned at the suggestion it will be used for people from out of the area.

“Why isn’t there a proposal for this accommodation to be used for local people who are in need? Families who are either experiencing homelessness or are in temporary accommodation in Medway.

“We need more details from the operator as to why it’s not being made available for local people.

“We need far more details on the consequences of the building being used for out-of-area families and how it will affect local services.

“I will be seeking further details from the operators and raising questions with the council and the housing minister about what can be done in these circumstances and to secure accommodation like this to support our Medway families who are struggling.

“London boroughs should be accommodating their needs in London not in Medway.”

Cllr Naushabah Khan (Lab), who is portfolio holder for housing and property on Medway Council, said they had not been informed of the decision to house people from London.

She said: “I am deeply frustrated and concerned that Anchorage House, an office block in Chatham, is going to be used for temporary accommodation purposes by another local authority.

"This will undoubtedly place significant pressure on local services including schools, infrastructure and council services.

"The accommodation has been brought forward through permitted development rights and Medway Council has not been contacted or consulted as part of this process.

"We are urging the government to urgently review this planning policy which is not fit for purpose."

In December Medway Council confirmed it was aware the government had earmarked the site as potential accommodation for asylum seekers.

There was speculation at the end of last week that people were being moved in after locals spotted mattresses being taken into the block.

In response to this, leader of the Labour-run council Vince Maple sent a letter to the Home Office asking for reassurances this was not the case. This was on Tuesday.

Mr Maple has been approached for comment.