A residents' group in Crowborough, East Sussex, has lost its high court challenge against Home Office plans to use an army training camp to house asylum seekers. The group, Crowborough Shield, launched legal action after the government announced it was considering housing up to 540 men at the site. However, Mr Justice Mould ruled on Friday that the challenge was premature, as no formal decision had been made at the time of filing.
The Home Office had initially considered the plan in October but did not proceed until January, when 27 men were housed at the camp. Crowborough Shield, which raised over £100,000 through crowdfunding for legal fees, argued that preparing the site was part of the decision-making process. The Home Office countered that the challenge was 'misconceived' and 'premature,' a view upheld by the judge.
In his ruling, Mr Justice Mould stated that the challenge was 'based on a series of assumptions and, to a significant degree, speculative,' adding that the group had 'jumped the gun.' He noted that a new legal challenge could be arguable focusing on issues arising after the home secretary's decision was made. Kim Bailey, director of Crowborough Shield, said the group would continue to fight, planning to submit a new challenge in the coming days.
The site, owned by the Ministry of Defence, is located 400 metres from Ashdown Forest, a protected area home to species such as the Dartford warbler and great crested newt. Residents have held weekly protest marches for 16 weeks, arguing that the government used emergency planning powers without proper transparency and breached conservation rules. They also expressed concern about placing asylum seekers in a military environment near police training facilities and shooting ranges.
Wealden District Council, which includes Crowborough, expressed disappointment with the judgment. A council spokesperson said it 'strongly opposed the use of the site' and criticised the government for granting itself planning permission without proper engagement or consideration of local and environmental impacts. The council said it would seek urgent legal advice on the issues raised in the ruling.
