Hundreds Protest Government Plans For Asylum Accommodation In Crowborough

Hundreds of people gathered in Crowborough, East Sussex on Sunday to protest government plans to temporarily house up to 540 single, male asylum seekers at a nearby army training camp.

The accommodation is expected to be in use for around 12 months.

Wealden District Council formally opposed the proposal on Wednesday, passing a motion against it and issuing a planning contravention notice to the Home Office.

The notice aims to determine whether there are grounds to challenge the plans under planning law.

A Home Office spokesperson said the department is "continuing to engage with local authorities and stakeholders to address concerns" and highlighted its commitment to moving asylum seekers from hotels into “more suitable accommodation such as military bases.”

The proposal was first announced in October.

Protesters, some local and some national campaigners, marched through Crowborough carrying numbered badges representing the number of potential arrivals.

Chants included “Crowborough says no” and “protect our community.”

Ken Adams, a local resident taking part, told the crowd he was protesting the “government’s ill-advised decision,” saying previous administrations “should have sorted this out.”

Sussex Police said officers worked to minimise disruption, and no arrests were made, continuing the pattern from previous demonstrations in the area.

The council noted that enforcement powers can only be used after a breach of planning control has occurred, but the notice serves as a formal step to explore potential challenges.