Fresh Legal Challenge Allowed Over Crowborough Training Camp Asylum Accommodation

A fresh legal challenge over the use of Crowborough Training Camp to house asylum seekers has been given the go-ahead by the High Court.

Lawyers for Crowborough Shield CIC say judges have granted permission for a judicial review, describing it as a “significant planning claim”.

The group is challenging the decision to use the site for asylum accommodation, raising concerns around planning rules, environmental compliance, transparency and fairness.

Campaigners say they now want the lawfulness of the decision-making process to be fully examined by the court.

The legal action, brought by Russell-Cooke lawyers on behalf of the group, is being treated as an Aarhus Convention case, which limits potential legal costs for community and environmental claims.

Alix Rejman, legal director at Russell-Cooke, said they were “delighted” the case has been allowed to proceed.

Home Office has been contacted for comment. It has previously said it cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings and that it has a legal duty to provide accommodation for people seeking asylum.

Crowborough Shield chair Kim Bailey welcomed the ruling, saying it was “positive news” after months of campaigning.

She also urged local authorities to take part in the case, arguing it is not “hopeless” and should be properly tested in court.

Wealden District Council has already said it will not pursue further legal action, while MP Nusrat Ghani has called for support for the challenge, saying it is important for the local community.

The judicial review is expected to be heard over one and a half days before the end of July.