Home Office submits plans to keep Crowborough asylum camp open until 2030

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 06:00

By Philip Keeler

Recent meeting on asylum accommodation in Crowborough - Credit: MP Nusrat Ghani

The Home Office has formally submitted a planning application to continue using Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex as accommodation for asylum seekers until January 2030.

The application, published on Friday 30 October, seeks permission to accommodate up to 540 people at the former military training site on Uckfield Road.

The proposals have been submitted directly to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government under the Urgent Crown Development procedure, rather than through the usual local planning process.

The move has prompted criticism over how the application will be considered, with concerns raised about the level of local scrutiny.

Wealden District Council has previously expressed opposition to the continued use of Crowborough Training Camp and questioned whether the Government has demonstrated sufficient urgency to justify the special planning procedure.

Under the application, existing facilities would remain in place, including security fencing, CCTV cameras, floodlighting, temporary generators, kitchen units and washing facilities.

Residents are being encouraged to examine the proposals and make their views known.

The application documents are available on the Government's website, with physical copies also due to be made available at Wealden District Council's offices in Vicarage Lane, Hailsham.

The application includes supporting reports covering transport, environmental considerations, security and the operation of the accommodation.

The proposals form part of the Government's wider efforts to reduce reliance on hotels for housing asylum seekers by using alternative accommodation, including former military sites.

The final decision on whether the camp can remain in use until January 2030 has yet to be made.

Residents can read the full application at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/urgent-crown-development-application-crowborough-training-camp

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