16 Dec Crowborough Residents Launch Legal Challenge to “Secret” Asylum Camp Decision
Crowborough, East Sussex – Crowborough Shield, a Community Interest Company established by local residents, on 10th December filed a crowd funded legal challenge in the High Court against what it calls a “secret decision” by the government to redevelop Crowborough Barracks into accommodation for approximately 550 asylum seekers.
Residents say they are outraged by the lack of transparency surrounding the decision. Despite the site’s transfer to the Home Office, visible construction work, and staff recruitment already underway, the government has declined to disclose how or when a final decision was made—while at the same time suggesting that no formal decision exists.
Crowborough Shield argues that the government has acted unlawfully by advancing the project without planning permission, community consultation, or due consideration of the site’s proximity to the Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. Information about the plans has so far emerged only through anonymous media briefings rather than direct communication with the community[1].
The legal claim contends that the government’s actions breach the community’s common law rights to justice and procedural fairness. It also invokes Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects the right to a fair hearing — asserting that residents have been denied the opportunity to understand, scrutinize, or challenge the decision-making process. The claim is about the extent to which it is lawful for the state, outside of the national security context, to maintain secrecy in a process of authorising a land use planning decision. The Claim form states “this conduct of the Government Parties is abhorrent to the English constitutional system requiring the rule of law to be observed.”
Kim Bailey, Director of Crowborough Shield CIC, said:
“There is huge frustration in the community that a decision with such a fundamental impact on our town has been made without consultation or engagement. It feels as though the government doesn’t think we matter. The barracks site is unsuitable for housing asylum seekers — many of whom will have fled conflict and trauma — and its location beside the Ashdown Forest risks significant environmental harm. In the absence of any clear information, fear and uncertainty are growing across the town.”
Polly Glynn, solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn, representing Crowborough Shield, added:
“This is an important case that tests the limits of government power. It is about a community’s right to be heard when decisions are made under the guise of ‘emergency’ powers — and about ensuring that transparency and fairness are not sacrificed in the process.”
The case is being funded through Crowborough Shield’s Crowd Funding page.
[1] Save for one announcement made on 31st October after media briefing had already taken place.
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