Crowborough residents protest as government plans to house 600 asylum seekers at army site
Crowborough residents gathered on Sunday morning for a large and vocal protest against government plans to accommodate 600 asylum seekers in a former military training camp on the edge of the East Sussex town. The demonstration, which Sussex Police described as peaceful, took place amid rising frustration over the way the plans have been communicated to the community.
The government first outlined the proposal in October, announcing that the disused army site would be repurposed to house asylum seekers as part of its strategy to phase out the use of hotels. Ministers have repeatedly stated that they intend to end hotel accommodation before the next general election, presenting military sites as more suitable and more cost-effective locations.
Protesters carried signs with strong messages of refusal and concern. One sign declared that Crowborough says No, and another questioned the impact of bringing hundreds of new arrivals to a site only minutes from the town centre and local schools. Although emotions ran high, police reported no arrests, and the event passed without incident.
A spokesperson for the Home Office told the BBC that the department was furious about the scale of illegal migration and the continuing reliance on hotels to house asylum seekers. They said that work was underway to move people into accommodation that the government considers more appropriate, including former military bases, and stressed that public safety is the top priority. Officials also said that they were working with councils, property partners and local communities during the transition.
The Home Office has since apologised for the handling of the Crowborough plans, acknowledging concerns raised by Wealden District Council. The council had previously warned that a lack of clear information had created an atmosphere of uncertainty and had contributed to tensions within the community. Councillors also reported receiving threats, which they said were fuelled by confusion surrounding the project.
Residents have raised many questions about how the site will operate and what impact it may have on services and local life. Some people at the protest emphasised that their concerns were directed at the planning process rather than at the asylum seekers themselves. Others said they wanted assurances about security arrangements, support structures and how the government intends to manage such a large number of new arrivals in a small town.
The protest highlights the broader national challenges surrounding asylum accommodation. Across the country, communities have expressed mixed reactions as the government attempts to reduce the financial and logistical pressure created by hotel use. Crowborough has now become one of several towns where residents feel they have been left without enough information to understand the implications of such a significant proposal.
The Home Office argues that larger sites will reduce strain on smaller neighbourhoods and provide more stable arrangements for asylum processing. Officials say they plan to increase engagement with local authorities and residents as the process continues, although many questions remain unanswered, and the timeline for further information has not been made public.
For people in Crowborough, the protest reflects a desire for clarity, planning and reassurance. Many residents say they want to understand how the government will balance national policy with local concerns. Until more information is shared, uncertainty remains at the centre of the discussion, and the government faces growing pressure to rebuild trust and provide a clearer path forward.