Crowborough Army Camp to House Asylum Seekers in Days

Crowborough, East Sussex – The Home Office has confirmed its decision to open the Crowborough Army Camp as a temporary site for asylum seekers, prompting concern and potential legal action from the local council. In a video posted on social media on Wednesday 21 January, Cllr James Partridge, leader of Wealden District Council, said the […]

Crowborough, East Sussex – The Home Office has confirmed its decision to open the Crowborough Army Camp as a temporary site for asylum seekers, prompting concern and potential legal action from the local council.

In a video posted on social media on Wednesday 21 January, Cllr James Partridge, leader of Wealden District Council, said the council had been contacted directly by Home Office Minister Alex Norris regarding the plans. The site is expected to open “in the next few days.”

Cllr Partridge told residents that the council had engaged its legal team to explore whether a challenge against the Home Office decision is possible.

The plans for the Crowborough site were first revealed by the Government in October 2025, as part of a wider strategy to end the use of asylum hotels across the country. However, the proposal immediately faced resistance from the local council, which in November 2025 voted unanimously against the conversion of the camp.

The announcement also sparked large-scale protests in Crowborough, with thousands of residents taking to the streets to voice opposition.

Cllr Partridge said:
“While the council respects the Government’s responsibilities, we are concerned about the impact on the local community and are reviewing all options, including potential legal action.”

Wealden District Council has repeatedly highlighted issues around planning permission, environmental assessment, and community consultation, emphasising that residents should have a say in decisions that affect the town.

The Home Office has not yet confirmed how many asylum seekers will be housed at the camp or the anticipated length of their stay.

Crowborough residents and local groups are expected to continue to voice their concerns as the opening of the site approaches.