No decision on base planned for asylum seekers – council

16 December 2025

Bob DaleSouth East

Government plans to house 540 male asylum seekers at Crowborough army training camp have caused anger locally

BBC An exterior view of Crowborough Training Camp form outside the perimeter fence and locked gates. — Government plans to house 540 male asylum seekers at Crowborough army training camp have caused anger locally

A final decision on plans to temporarily house 540 asylum seekers at a former military site in East Sussex will not be taken until 2026, a council has said.

The Home Office previously confirmed discussions were under way to use the Crowborough army training camp as part of efforts to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation, sparking several protest marches in the town.

On Tuesday, Wealden District Council said the government had written to say no decision would be made this year.

The Home Office said it did not comment on individual asylum accommodation sites.

The Crowborough Shield residents' group has launched a legal challenge against the plans.

Wealden District Council had written to the Home Office on 11 December, stating it was "continuing to do all it can to oppose the decision to house asylum seekers at the Crowborough army camp".

Several marches have been held in Crowborough in protest against the plans

Eddie Mitchell A drone shot of a protest held in Crowborough, East Sussex on 16 November over plans to house asylum seekers at an army site in the town. Hundreds of people can be seen walking on the streets with flags and banners. Cars are driving alongside the walkers. — Several marches have been held in Crowborough in protest against the plans

The Home Office has outlined plans to use the army camp in Crowborough as part of efforts to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation.

"We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels," a spokesperson said.

"This government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well underway, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.

"We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across-government so that we can accelerate delivery."

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