Fresh Legal Action Planned Over Proposal to House 540 Asylum Seekers in Sussex Town
Campaigners are set to launch a new legal challenge against the decision to convert an army training centre in Crowborough, Sussex, into accommodation for 540 asylum seekers. This follows an initial claim being dismissed by the High Court as premature, with the group now preparing to file a fresh case by the upcoming deadline.
Initial Legal Bid Dismissed as Premature
On Friday, Mr Justice Mould threw out the initial legal action filed by Crowborough Shield, a community interest company, stating that the group had "jumped the gun." The claim was filed in December last year after the government revealed it was considering housing up to 540 men at the site in East Sussex. However, the judge noted that at the time, there was "no clearly determined policy to use the camp" for asylum seekers, making the challenge premature.
Despite this dismissal, Mr Justice Mould indicated that after the government's announcement in January to proceed with the plans, the decision is now "at least in principle" open to legal challenge. This has paved the way for campaigners to pursue a new High Court claim.
Campaigners Vow to Continue Legal Fight
Speaking on behalf of the group, Matthew Shankland announced their intention to issue a new claim by Wednesday, the deadline for filing. He stated, "We believe that issuing this claim when we did was the only available course for our community," and added, "Our current inclination is to recommence proceedings next week." The group has already spent over £100,000 on legal fees, and a new claim could potentially cost a similar amount again.
Kim Bailey, director and chairwoman of Crowborough Shield, emphasized the financial implications, noting that a second claim would have a "cost impact." She said, "That is something I will take forward with the community, because essentially it is their decision whether they want to take this further forward. But we will be issuing again, before Wednesday."
Background and Community Opposition
The government's proposal to use the Crowborough Training Camp for asylum seekers was first announced last October as part of efforts to reduce reliance on hotels for accommodation. The Home Office approved the plan in January, and 27 men were housed at the camp last month, despite protests from local residents and opposition from Wealden District Council.
The site, provided by the Ministry of Defence to the Home Office for 12 months, was previously used to accommodate Afghan families evacuated during the 2021 withdrawal from Kabul while they were resettled elsewhere. The ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions between national asylum policies and local community concerns in Sussex.
