Decision Still Pending On Crowborough Asylum Accommodation Plans

Plans to temporarily house 540 asylum seekers at the former Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex remain undecided, a councillor has said.

The Home Office has been in discussions to use the site as part of efforts to close hotels currently housing asylum seekers, a move that has sparked several protest marches in the town.

Wealden councillors met Home Office representatives on Tuesday to discuss the proposals.

Deputy council leader Rachel Millward described the meeting as “frustrating” but said councillors made their strong objections clear.

Councillors raised concerns that accommodating such large numbers in one location could create safety risks and exacerbate anxiety among local residents.

Millward, a Green Party councillor, said: “The level of misinformation and lack of communication has led to fear and the risk of unrest.”

At the meeting, it was confirmed that the average stay at the camp would be around 70 days, with a maximum use of 12 months under the arrangement with the Ministry of Defence.

Councillors urged the Home Office to improve communications with the public, particularly parents and vulnerable groups, to address safety and wellbeing concerns.

A Home Office spokesperson said the government is committed to closing all asylum hotels and finding more suitable sites to reduce costs and ease pressure on communities.

The spokesperson added that all military sites used will meet strict safety, security, health, and wellbeing standards, with updates expected in the coming weeks and months.