High Court Approves Use of Former RAF Bases for Asylum Housing
The High Court has given the go-ahead for the government's proposal to house asylum seekers at two disused RAF bases. Despite opposition from West Lindsey District Council and Braintree District Council, as well as a local resident from Essex, Mrs Justice Thornton rejected the requests for a judicial review.
The Home Office intends to request a Special Development Order to convert RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and MDP Wethersfield in Essex into asylum centers through 2027, accommodating up to 2,000 and 1,700 single male asylum seekers respectively.
During World War II, RAF Scampton served as the home for the iconic Dambusters. At present, about 600 asylum seekers reside at Wethersfield in temporary accommodation.
The councils criticized the misuse of emergency planning rules, meant for one-year durations, for potentially longer housing periods. A local Essex resident also opposed the Wethersfield plans but is now considering an appeal following the court's decision.
The judge ruled that the Home Secretary was within legal rights, citing an urgent need for asylum seeker accommodations during a declared emergency.
In response to the ruling, both the West Lindsey District Council and the resident announced plans to appeal. Meanwhile, the Home Office has expressed approval of the decision, noting that utilizing military sites helps organize housing for asylum seekers and reduces reliance on hotels.
Furthermore, the Home Office assured that collaborative efforts with local authorities and police are ongoing to limit the impact on communities.
During World War II, RAF Scampton served as the home for the iconic Dambusters. At present, about 600 asylum seekers reside at Wethersfield in temporary accommodation.
The councils criticized the misuse of emergency planning rules, meant for one-year durations, for potentially longer housing periods. A local Essex resident also opposed the Wethersfield plans but is now considering an appeal following the court's decision.
The judge ruled that the Home Secretary was within legal rights, citing an urgent need for asylum seeker accommodations during a declared emergency.
In response to the ruling, both the West Lindsey District Council and the resident announced plans to appeal. Meanwhile, the Home Office has expressed approval of the decision, noting that utilizing military sites helps organize housing for asylum seekers and reduces reliance on hotels.
Furthermore, the Home Office assured that collaborative efforts with local authorities and police are ongoing to limit the impact on communities.
