An empty hotel once home to asylum-seekers awaiting the outcomes on applications for residency is under offer after going on the market for £1.6million.

The Chichester Hotel ceased trading in May and was put up for sale in October after controversy surrounding asylum seekers being housed at the site the previous year.

Home Office plans for an asylum-seeker housing scheme at the Wickford hotel, first announced last July, were met with anger after weddings, parties and large events were cancelled to accommodate.

Following the announcement, supporters of a far-right group descended on the hotel to protest the plans. 

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois also opposed the plans and welcomed the news when, in August 2022, the proposal was axed.

According to the Rightmove listing, the historic venue is now under offer.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Chichester has 36-bedrooms, a pub, and a restaurant, as well as a beamed farm building converted for leisure use.

There is also parking for up to 164 vehicles, which can be accessed from most of the bedrooms and public areas.

The Chichester Hotel had been operating under a lease until it was put up for sale. It was previously renowned as one of the region’s most popular venues for weddings and events before it closed.