Ask the Leader

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Liberal Democrat Councillor James Partridge is the leader of Wealden District Council and also represents Crowborough North ward .

Cllr Partridge will be pleased to answer any question you may have about Wealden District Council's policies, or other matters involving the council, which you think are of interest to people living, working or visiting Wealden.

The response to your question will posted here so others can read it too should they wish. If we think the question is inappropriate for publication we will contact you to say why.

Specific inquiries about particular services can be reported online.

Freedom of Information queries can be submitted here

Complaints, Compliments and Feedback can be submitted here

Below is a list of the topics of questions that have already been asked which you can click on by topic. Please feel free to read our responses to see if we have already answered your question before submitting.

Please also note that in order to submit a question, participants must have an account on Let's Talk Wealden. If you do not already have an account, but would like to register one, please click here.

Liberal Democrat Councillor James Partridge is the leader of Wealden District Council and also represents Crowborough North ward .

Cllr Partridge will be pleased to answer any question you may have about Wealden District Council's policies, or other matters involving the council, which you think are of interest to people living, working or visiting Wealden.

The response to your question will posted here so others can read it too should they wish. If we think the question is inappropriate for publication we will contact you to say why.

Specific inquiries about particular services can be reported online.

Freedom of Information queries can be submitted here

Complaints, Compliments and Feedback can be submitted here

Below is a list of the topics of questions that have already been asked which you can click on by topic. Please feel free to read our responses to see if we have already answered your question before submitting.

Please also note that in order to submit a question, participants must have an account on Let's Talk Wealden. If you do not already have an account, but would like to register one, please click here.

Ask the Leader

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  • Share Dear Cllr Partridge, Given the High Court ruling last Friday regarding the ATC and the decision that a fresh application needs to be submitted. Are the council truly aligned with the same objectives as Crowborough Shield And is the council willing to either fund an application for a judicial review or contribute to the Crowborough shield action. The council in my view have issued statements but as yet have not said what it intends to do. As a very much moderate resident in Crowborough I cannot convey strongly enough the need for WDC to get on the front foot and clearly set out its intentions. Not doing this places you all in the same category as the Home Office. Ideological differences needs to be left to one side and unity with the community needs to be priority. I assure you that there is a clear majority against this. Even if not attending marches. on Facebook Share Dear Cllr Partridge, Given the High Court ruling last Friday regarding the ATC and the decision that a fresh application needs to be submitted. Are the council truly aligned with the same objectives as Crowborough Shield And is the council willing to either fund an application for a judicial review or contribute to the Crowborough shield action. The council in my view have issued statements but as yet have not said what it intends to do. As a very much moderate resident in Crowborough I cannot convey strongly enough the need for WDC to get on the front foot and clearly set out its intentions. Not doing this places you all in the same category as the Home Office. Ideological differences needs to be left to one side and unity with the community needs to be priority. I assure you that there is a clear majority against this. Even if not attending marches. on Twitter Share Dear Cllr Partridge, Given the High Court ruling last Friday regarding the ATC and the decision that a fresh application needs to be submitted. Are the council truly aligned with the same objectives as Crowborough Shield And is the council willing to either fund an application for a judicial review or contribute to the Crowborough shield action. The council in my view have issued statements but as yet have not said what it intends to do. As a very much moderate resident in Crowborough I cannot convey strongly enough the need for WDC to get on the front foot and clearly set out its intentions. Not doing this places you all in the same category as the Home Office. Ideological differences needs to be left to one side and unity with the community needs to be priority. I assure you that there is a clear majority against this. Even if not attending marches. on Linkedin Email Dear Cllr Partridge, Given the High Court ruling last Friday regarding the ATC and the decision that a fresh application needs to be submitted. Are the council truly aligned with the same objectives as Crowborough Shield And is the council willing to either fund an application for a judicial review or contribute to the Crowborough shield action. The council in my view have issued statements but as yet have not said what it intends to do. As a very much moderate resident in Crowborough I cannot convey strongly enough the need for WDC to get on the front foot and clearly set out its intentions. Not doing this places you all in the same category as the Home Office. Ideological differences needs to be left to one side and unity with the community needs to be priority. I assure you that there is a clear majority against this. Even if not attending marches. link

    Dear Cllr Partridge, Given the High Court ruling last Friday regarding the ATC and the decision that a fresh application needs to be submitted. Are the council truly aligned with the same objectives as Crowborough Shield And is the council willing to either fund an application for a judicial review or contribute to the Crowborough shield action. The council in my view have issued statements but as yet have not said what it intends to do. As a very much moderate resident in Crowborough I cannot convey strongly enough the need for WDC to get on the front foot and clearly set out its intentions. Not doing this places you all in the same category as the Home Office. Ideological differences needs to be left to one side and unity with the community needs to be priority. I assure you that there is a clear majority against this. Even if not attending marches.

    Michaelbains asked 6 days ago

    Dear Michael,

    Thank you for your question.

    After the court’s decision last week to refuse a Judicial Review of the Government’s decision to house asylum seekers at Crowborough Army Camp, the Council took more legal advice from its Kings Counsel team. In the light of that advice we have decided that we cannot pursue or support any more legal action.

     

    The advice is that to pursue a new Judicial Review against the Home Office is unlikely to achieve anything of practical value and that a claim could potentially be counterproductive. Whilst this comes as a major disappointment to us all, it would be wrong of the Council to remain silent about it because to do so would raise false hope and would likely be a waste of taxpayer’s money.

     

    We all wanted to stop the Home Office as their plans are good for no-one. We have always been strongly opposed to the use of the site for this purpose and participated in the recent court hearing as an interested party, providing supporting evidence to ensure that the court was fully informed of local impacts and procedural history. Crowborough Shield’s claim was rejected because the judge deemed them to have jumped the gun by starting the claim before the Home Office had made a decision.

     

    In its advice, our King’s Counsel team advised that, whilst there are ‘arguable errors of law in relation to the Habitats Regulations and the EIA Regulations and the recreational pressure on the Ashdown Forest, these are easily corrected by government’. As the premature claim gave government notice of these errors, we now expect them to be corrected before any new claim can reach the court. Even if the court upheld a judicial review on those grounds, the likely impact would be to allow the government to re-take its decision and potentially start the 12-month clock again; meaning the camp would be open for even longer.  

    Crucially, the King’s Counsel team have not identified any legal argument that would stop the Secretary of State from using the Camp for asylum accommodation in principle.  

     

    The King’s Counsel team have also advised that there is no legally arguable basis on which the council could challenge the government’s decision to not allow the council to take planning enforcement action.  

     

    They advise there is little or no prospect of Wealden successfully arguing that there is no emergency, to justify the use of emergency planning powers by the Home Office, this having been accepted by the High Court in previous cases.  

     

    Finally, if Wealden District Council was to bring the claim, it would not benefit from the Aarhus costs cap which limits claimants’ exposure to the Government’s legal costs (and would be available to Crowborough Shield) because the caps do not apply when the claimant is a public body. To risk public money on paying the Government’s uncapped legal costs when advised that a claim is likely to fail would be irresponsible and wrong.

     

    The Home Office has failed Crowborough. But to keep fighting a legal challenge that is doomed to fail helps nobody. Throwing good money after bad is simply wrong. We must all now turn our attention to making sure that everyone feels safe and secure. We will continue to press the Home Office to do their job properly and to engage better with us all.

     

    Yours sincerely

    James.

    crowborough army camp
    crowborough army camp
  • Share Your council has just delivered a large number of new waste bins. You claim this will improve the environment and improve water recycling, without any supporting evidence. I have had three bins delivered all plastic, all with different colours and materials. All will be collected weekly. I fail to see how this fits with your stated objectives. I suspect that this scheme will both add to the cost of waste collections with little or no benefit. It will certainly add to the unsightly proliferation of bins in the street. Please set out your justification for this move. on Facebook Share Your council has just delivered a large number of new waste bins. You claim this will improve the environment and improve water recycling, without any supporting evidence. I have had three bins delivered all plastic, all with different colours and materials. All will be collected weekly. I fail to see how this fits with your stated objectives. I suspect that this scheme will both add to the cost of waste collections with little or no benefit. It will certainly add to the unsightly proliferation of bins in the street. Please set out your justification for this move. on Twitter Share Your council has just delivered a large number of new waste bins. You claim this will improve the environment and improve water recycling, without any supporting evidence. I have had three bins delivered all plastic, all with different colours and materials. All will be collected weekly. I fail to see how this fits with your stated objectives. I suspect that this scheme will both add to the cost of waste collections with little or no benefit. It will certainly add to the unsightly proliferation of bins in the street. Please set out your justification for this move. on Linkedin Email Your council has just delivered a large number of new waste bins. You claim this will improve the environment and improve water recycling, without any supporting evidence. I have had three bins delivered all plastic, all with different colours and materials. All will be collected weekly. I fail to see how this fits with your stated objectives. I suspect that this scheme will both add to the cost of waste collections with little or no benefit. It will certainly add to the unsightly proliferation of bins in the street. Please set out your justification for this move. link

    Your council has just delivered a large number of new waste bins. You claim this will improve the environment and improve water recycling, without any supporting evidence. I have had three bins delivered all plastic, all with different colours and materials. All will be collected weekly. I fail to see how this fits with your stated objectives. I suspect that this scheme will both add to the cost of waste collections with little or no benefit. It will certainly add to the unsightly proliferation of bins in the street. Please set out your justification for this move.

    NickS asked 25 days ago

    Dear Nick,

    Apologies for my delay in responding. The UK government is mandating weekly food waste collections across England by 31 March 2026 to standardise recycling and meet environmental targets. These reforms are part of the "Simpler Recycling" plan introduced under the Environment Act 2021.

    Key Reasons for Implementation are:

    • Tackling Climate Change: Food waste in landfills or sent to incineration releases significant greenhouse gases.
    • Improving Recycling Rates: Household recycling rates in England have plateaued at around 44-45%; separate collection of food waste is expected to significantly boost these figures.
    • Ending the "Postcode Lottery": The reforms aim to create a consistent national approach, ensuring the same materials are collected from all households and businesses regardless of location.
    • Renewable Energy & Fertiliser: Collected food waste can be processed through anaerobic digestion or in-vessel composting to create biogas for renewable energy and fertiliser for agriculture.
    • Hygiene and Convenience: Weekly collections prevent the build-up of "smelly waste" that would otherwise sit for up to two weeks in general refuse bins.
    • Reducing General Waste Contamination: Food is the largest single material in general waste bins (approx. 33%); removing it keeps other recyclables cleaner and easier to process.
    • Economic Efficiency: While initial setup costs are high, the government has allocated £295 million in funding to help councils transition. Long-term, it can lower disposal costs as food waste is heavy and expensive to send to landfill or incineration.


    Consequently, all Wealden residents will receive the following waste collections:

    • Food waste caddy – emptied weekly.
    • Recycling wheelie bin – emptied fortnightly (alternating with general rubbish bin)
    • General rubbish wheelie bin – emptied fortnightly (alternating with recycling bin)
    • Garden waste wheelie bin (optional subscription service) – emptied fortnightly (except over Christmas and New Year)  

     

    As a local authority, Wealden District Council is required to meet its statutory obligations under these waste management reforms and working closely with our waste contractor, Biffa, we are going this in the most efficient and effective way.

     Kind regards,

    James.

    food waste
    food waste
  • Share Which is my ward and who is my councillor (BN27 3RG). I have searched in vain. on Facebook Share Which is my ward and who is my councillor (BN27 3RG). I have searched in vain. on Twitter Share Which is my ward and who is my councillor (BN27 3RG). I have searched in vain. on Linkedin Email Which is my ward and who is my councillor (BN27 3RG). I have searched in vain. link

    Which is my ward and who is my councillor (BN27 3RG). I have searched in vain.

    Heather Smith Thomassen asked 22 days ago

    Dear Heather, 

    I can confirm that the ward for BN27 3RG is Arlington, and your councillor is Alison Wilson.

    You can find more details about councillors for each ward on our website here: Your Councillors - Councillors Committees - Wealden District Council 

    Kind regards, 

    James.

    councillor,ward
    councillor ward
  • Share Are you aware of the situation currently prevailing in Deanland Wood Park? This is a copy of the email I have sent to Balfour Beatty, also copied to James MacCleary (MP) Once again, only a few short weeks after an earlier closure access to Deanland Wood Park is to be closed. Does your company not appreciate that the ‘diversion’ is basically impassable in this weather (and rain is forecast to continue)? Has anyone from your company actually inspected the alternative road and carried out a risk assessment with regards to the suggested diversion? Is it appreciated just how many extremely vulnerable people will be affected? Why could the works needing to be carried out not have been co-ordinated? How necessary is it to be done at this precise time? Not one of the houses advertised for sale is ‘under offer’ so why can’t the work wait until the spring when we might have better weather? The sale of the houses is a commercial endeavour - it is basically a speculation that is being allowed to override the needs of a largely vulnerable community. It will block access to emergency vehicles which, even if they are able to negotiate the appalling state of the roads onto which they are diverted (last time they became impassable and it has rained even more since then) the extra miles and dreadful state of the road will waste precious time in being able to reach Deanland Wood Park. There is no helipad here. Time can be a matter of life and death in an health emergency and should anyone die as a result of delay in reaching them, I imagine that the press and media will have a field day and it is obvious where the blame will ultimately fall. In addition to the many residents who are vulnerable and rely on the support of family and/or carers, there are a number of residents who work and who were unable to do so when the road was previously closed. Are they to be compensated for loss of earnings if the ‘diversion’ becomes impassable again? Forcing people to be at risk of total isolation for a whole week is simply not acceptable. I wonder how those who make these decisions would feel if it were their family members who were to be placed in this situation? Heather Smith Thomassen on Facebook Share Are you aware of the situation currently prevailing in Deanland Wood Park? This is a copy of the email I have sent to Balfour Beatty, also copied to James MacCleary (MP) Once again, only a few short weeks after an earlier closure access to Deanland Wood Park is to be closed. Does your company not appreciate that the ‘diversion’ is basically impassable in this weather (and rain is forecast to continue)? Has anyone from your company actually inspected the alternative road and carried out a risk assessment with regards to the suggested diversion? Is it appreciated just how many extremely vulnerable people will be affected? Why could the works needing to be carried out not have been co-ordinated? How necessary is it to be done at this precise time? Not one of the houses advertised for sale is ‘under offer’ so why can’t the work wait until the spring when we might have better weather? The sale of the houses is a commercial endeavour - it is basically a speculation that is being allowed to override the needs of a largely vulnerable community. It will block access to emergency vehicles which, even if they are able to negotiate the appalling state of the roads onto which they are diverted (last time they became impassable and it has rained even more since then) the extra miles and dreadful state of the road will waste precious time in being able to reach Deanland Wood Park. There is no helipad here. Time can be a matter of life and death in an health emergency and should anyone die as a result of delay in reaching them, I imagine that the press and media will have a field day and it is obvious where the blame will ultimately fall. In addition to the many residents who are vulnerable and rely on the support of family and/or carers, there are a number of residents who work and who were unable to do so when the road was previously closed. Are they to be compensated for loss of earnings if the ‘diversion’ becomes impassable again? Forcing people to be at risk of total isolation for a whole week is simply not acceptable. I wonder how those who make these decisions would feel if it were their family members who were to be placed in this situation? Heather Smith Thomassen on Twitter Share Are you aware of the situation currently prevailing in Deanland Wood Park? This is a copy of the email I have sent to Balfour Beatty, also copied to James MacCleary (MP) Once again, only a few short weeks after an earlier closure access to Deanland Wood Park is to be closed. Does your company not appreciate that the ‘diversion’ is basically impassable in this weather (and rain is forecast to continue)? Has anyone from your company actually inspected the alternative road and carried out a risk assessment with regards to the suggested diversion? Is it appreciated just how many extremely vulnerable people will be affected? Why could the works needing to be carried out not have been co-ordinated? How necessary is it to be done at this precise time? Not one of the houses advertised for sale is ‘under offer’ so why can’t the work wait until the spring when we might have better weather? The sale of the houses is a commercial endeavour - it is basically a speculation that is being allowed to override the needs of a largely vulnerable community. It will block access to emergency vehicles which, even if they are able to negotiate the appalling state of the roads onto which they are diverted (last time they became impassable and it has rained even more since then) the extra miles and dreadful state of the road will waste precious time in being able to reach Deanland Wood Park. There is no helipad here. Time can be a matter of life and death in an health emergency and should anyone die as a result of delay in reaching them, I imagine that the press and media will have a field day and it is obvious where the blame will ultimately fall. In addition to the many residents who are vulnerable and rely on the support of family and/or carers, there are a number of residents who work and who were unable to do so when the road was previously closed. Are they to be compensated for loss of earnings if the ‘diversion’ becomes impassable again? Forcing people to be at risk of total isolation for a whole week is simply not acceptable. I wonder how those who make these decisions would feel if it were their family members who were to be placed in this situation? Heather Smith Thomassen on Linkedin Email Are you aware of the situation currently prevailing in Deanland Wood Park? This is a copy of the email I have sent to Balfour Beatty, also copied to James MacCleary (MP) Once again, only a few short weeks after an earlier closure access to Deanland Wood Park is to be closed. Does your company not appreciate that the ‘diversion’ is basically impassable in this weather (and rain is forecast to continue)? Has anyone from your company actually inspected the alternative road and carried out a risk assessment with regards to the suggested diversion? Is it appreciated just how many extremely vulnerable people will be affected? Why could the works needing to be carried out not have been co-ordinated? How necessary is it to be done at this precise time? Not one of the houses advertised for sale is ‘under offer’ so why can’t the work wait until the spring when we might have better weather? The sale of the houses is a commercial endeavour - it is basically a speculation that is being allowed to override the needs of a largely vulnerable community. It will block access to emergency vehicles which, even if they are able to negotiate the appalling state of the roads onto which they are diverted (last time they became impassable and it has rained even more since then) the extra miles and dreadful state of the road will waste precious time in being able to reach Deanland Wood Park. There is no helipad here. Time can be a matter of life and death in an health emergency and should anyone die as a result of delay in reaching them, I imagine that the press and media will have a field day and it is obvious where the blame will ultimately fall. In addition to the many residents who are vulnerable and rely on the support of family and/or carers, there are a number of residents who work and who were unable to do so when the road was previously closed. Are they to be compensated for loss of earnings if the ‘diversion’ becomes impassable again? Forcing people to be at risk of total isolation for a whole week is simply not acceptable. I wonder how those who make these decisions would feel if it were their family members who were to be placed in this situation? Heather Smith Thomassen link

    Are you aware of the situation currently prevailing in Deanland Wood Park? This is a copy of the email I have sent to Balfour Beatty, also copied to James MacCleary (MP) Once again, only a few short weeks after an earlier closure access to Deanland Wood Park is to be closed. Does your company not appreciate that the ‘diversion’ is basically impassable in this weather (and rain is forecast to continue)? Has anyone from your company actually inspected the alternative road and carried out a risk assessment with regards to the suggested diversion? Is it appreciated just how many extremely vulnerable people will be affected? Why could the works needing to be carried out not have been co-ordinated? How necessary is it to be done at this precise time? Not one of the houses advertised for sale is ‘under offer’ so why can’t the work wait until the spring when we might have better weather? The sale of the houses is a commercial endeavour - it is basically a speculation that is being allowed to override the needs of a largely vulnerable community. It will block access to emergency vehicles which, even if they are able to negotiate the appalling state of the roads onto which they are diverted (last time they became impassable and it has rained even more since then) the extra miles and dreadful state of the road will waste precious time in being able to reach Deanland Wood Park. There is no helipad here. Time can be a matter of life and death in an health emergency and should anyone die as a result of delay in reaching them, I imagine that the press and media will have a field day and it is obvious where the blame will ultimately fall. In addition to the many residents who are vulnerable and rely on the support of family and/or carers, there are a number of residents who work and who were unable to do so when the road was previously closed. Are they to be compensated for loss of earnings if the ‘diversion’ becomes impassable again? Forcing people to be at risk of total isolation for a whole week is simply not acceptable. I wonder how those who make these decisions would feel if it were their family members who were to be placed in this situation? Heather Smith Thomassen

    Heather Smith Thomassen asked 23 days ago

    Dear Heather,

    Thank you for your message. All roadworks, road closures and diversion routes in this area are managed by East Sussex Highways, not Wealden District Council. We are not involved in scheduling, approving, or coordinating these works.

    Please direct any concerns about the road closure, diversion route, timings, or safety to East Sussex Highways using their contact page: Contact us | live.eastsussexhighways.com 

    Kind regards,

    James.

  • Share Mr Partridge please could you tell me what is the position of Wealden council with regards to the use of the Crowborough army camp.I have been attending local meetings arranged by concerned residents, speaking to neighbours ,local councillors and reading reports from my local MP and the feed back i get is Wealden District Councillors have no intrest in what the Home Office do with the camp or the impact this will have on the local community(putting it politely).This i find hard to believe .So i would be grateful if you could out line any actions you and your colleagues have taken on this subject so I can have a better understanding of what is happening. Kind Regards Phillip Russell on Facebook Share Mr Partridge please could you tell me what is the position of Wealden council with regards to the use of the Crowborough army camp.I have been attending local meetings arranged by concerned residents, speaking to neighbours ,local councillors and reading reports from my local MP and the feed back i get is Wealden District Councillors have no intrest in what the Home Office do with the camp or the impact this will have on the local community(putting it politely).This i find hard to believe .So i would be grateful if you could out line any actions you and your colleagues have taken on this subject so I can have a better understanding of what is happening. Kind Regards Phillip Russell on Twitter Share Mr Partridge please could you tell me what is the position of Wealden council with regards to the use of the Crowborough army camp.I have been attending local meetings arranged by concerned residents, speaking to neighbours ,local councillors and reading reports from my local MP and the feed back i get is Wealden District Councillors have no intrest in what the Home Office do with the camp or the impact this will have on the local community(putting it politely).This i find hard to believe .So i would be grateful if you could out line any actions you and your colleagues have taken on this subject so I can have a better understanding of what is happening. Kind Regards Phillip Russell on Linkedin Email Mr Partridge please could you tell me what is the position of Wealden council with regards to the use of the Crowborough army camp.I have been attending local meetings arranged by concerned residents, speaking to neighbours ,local councillors and reading reports from my local MP and the feed back i get is Wealden District Councillors have no intrest in what the Home Office do with the camp or the impact this will have on the local community(putting it politely).This i find hard to believe .So i would be grateful if you could out line any actions you and your colleagues have taken on this subject so I can have a better understanding of what is happening. Kind Regards Phillip Russell link

    Mr Partridge please could you tell me what is the position of Wealden council with regards to the use of the Crowborough army camp.I have been attending local meetings arranged by concerned residents, speaking to neighbours ,local councillors and reading reports from my local MP and the feed back i get is Wealden District Councillors have no intrest in what the Home Office do with the camp or the impact this will have on the local community(putting it politely).This i find hard to believe .So i would be grateful if you could out line any actions you and your colleagues have taken on this subject so I can have a better understanding of what is happening. Kind Regards Phillip Russell

    Ru55ell#343 asked 27 days ago


    Dear Phillip,

    Thank you for your message and for taking the time to share your concerns about the future use of the Crowborough Army Camp. I fully understand how important this matter is to local residents, and I welcome the opportunity to clarify Wealden District Council’s position.

    Firstly, I want to reassure you that the council is actively engaged on this issue. While decisions about the site rest with the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence, Wealden District Council has been working to ensure that any proposals take proper account of the needs, safety and wellbeing of the local community. 

    We have engaged two King’s Counsel (national legal experts) to advise us on the public law and planning aspects of the Home Office’s decision and the options available to the council to challenge this through the legal and planning processes.   We have joined a current judicial review action, as an interested party, that seeks to challenge the Home Office about their decision to use the Camp.  Our lawyers are working on the arguments that we will submit to the court soon, we continue to strongly object to the Home Office's decision.

    The Home Office are using emergency planning powers (the Class Q exemption) which means that the government have granted themselves planning permission so Wealden can’t claim a breach of planning, which in turn means we can’t issue a stop notice which is something that Nus Ghani MP and others have repeatedly called for but we do not now have the powers.

    To support residents and provide transparency, we have published all available information, updates and frequently asked questions on our dedicated webpage: Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council.

    Kind regards,

    James.

    crowborough army camp
    crowborough army camp
  • Share Why was the new booking system for using the recycling centres not included in the news letter. on Facebook Share Why was the new booking system for using the recycling centres not included in the news letter. on Twitter Share Why was the new booking system for using the recycling centres not included in the news letter. on Linkedin Email Why was the new booking system for using the recycling centres not included in the news letter. link

    Why was the new booking system for using the recycling centres not included in the news letter.

    Neil S asked 3 months ago

    Dear Neil,

    The household waste sites are managed by East Sussex County Council rather than Wealden District Council. The changes to the booking system were communicated by ESCC through their social media channels in November and have also been covered in the local press.

    We shared a post about this on our Facebook page on 15th October, and it will be included in this week’s newsletter going out on Friday, 19th December.

    If you’d like more details in the meantime, you can visit East Sussex County Council’s website or check their social media updates.

    Kind regards,

    James. 

    recyling
    recyling
  • Share I am told the Wealden haven't opposed the intended use for the Crowborough Army Camp by Asylum seekers. Is this correct and if so can you clarify why not? Many thanks John on Facebook Share I am told the Wealden haven't opposed the intended use for the Crowborough Army Camp by Asylum seekers. Is this correct and if so can you clarify why not? Many thanks John on Twitter Share I am told the Wealden haven't opposed the intended use for the Crowborough Army Camp by Asylum seekers. Is this correct and if so can you clarify why not? Many thanks John on Linkedin Email I am told the Wealden haven't opposed the intended use for the Crowborough Army Camp by Asylum seekers. Is this correct and if so can you clarify why not? Many thanks John link

    I am told the Wealden haven't opposed the intended use for the Crowborough Army Camp by Asylum seekers. Is this correct and if so can you clarify why not? Many thanks John

    theeastons asked 4 months ago

    Dear John,

    On 19th November at Full Council, a motion was passed to exercise the powers available to us to oppose the Home Office plan to use Crowborough Army Training Camp for the accommodation of asylum seekers, provided that this is done lawfully and with due and full regard to the potential cost and risk to the council of any action which might be taken. The motion also called on active participation and collaboration of partner organisations to join Wealden District Council in opposing the plans. 

    You can watch the recorded webcast here: Full Council - 19th November 2025 

    Kind regards, 

    James.

    crowborough army camp
    crowborough army camp
  • Share Cllr Partridge, the last information I can see on the Wealden website pertaining to the use of Crowborough Army Camp is an email to the Home Office dated 26th November 2025. Is there an update or have they ignored your email with questions to answer? Have you seen the latest FaceBook post from Nusrat Ghani MP suggesting that you should now be issuing a stop notice? Various rumours are now circulating that illegal migrants may be placed in the camp from this Thursday/Friday is this correct or is there a delay until the end of December whilst the camp is made safe from Asbestos? Thank you and look forward to seeing your answers shortly. Kind regards, Philip Nash on Facebook Share Cllr Partridge, the last information I can see on the Wealden website pertaining to the use of Crowborough Army Camp is an email to the Home Office dated 26th November 2025. Is there an update or have they ignored your email with questions to answer? Have you seen the latest FaceBook post from Nusrat Ghani MP suggesting that you should now be issuing a stop notice? Various rumours are now circulating that illegal migrants may be placed in the camp from this Thursday/Friday is this correct or is there a delay until the end of December whilst the camp is made safe from Asbestos? Thank you and look forward to seeing your answers shortly. Kind regards, Philip Nash on Twitter Share Cllr Partridge, the last information I can see on the Wealden website pertaining to the use of Crowborough Army Camp is an email to the Home Office dated 26th November 2025. Is there an update or have they ignored your email with questions to answer? Have you seen the latest FaceBook post from Nusrat Ghani MP suggesting that you should now be issuing a stop notice? Various rumours are now circulating that illegal migrants may be placed in the camp from this Thursday/Friday is this correct or is there a delay until the end of December whilst the camp is made safe from Asbestos? Thank you and look forward to seeing your answers shortly. Kind regards, Philip Nash on Linkedin Email Cllr Partridge, the last information I can see on the Wealden website pertaining to the use of Crowborough Army Camp is an email to the Home Office dated 26th November 2025. Is there an update or have they ignored your email with questions to answer? Have you seen the latest FaceBook post from Nusrat Ghani MP suggesting that you should now be issuing a stop notice? Various rumours are now circulating that illegal migrants may be placed in the camp from this Thursday/Friday is this correct or is there a delay until the end of December whilst the camp is made safe from Asbestos? Thank you and look forward to seeing your answers shortly. Kind regards, Philip Nash link

    Cllr Partridge, the last information I can see on the Wealden website pertaining to the use of Crowborough Army Camp is an email to the Home Office dated 26th November 2025. Is there an update or have they ignored your email with questions to answer? Have you seen the latest FaceBook post from Nusrat Ghani MP suggesting that you should now be issuing a stop notice? Various rumours are now circulating that illegal migrants may be placed in the camp from this Thursday/Friday is this correct or is there a delay until the end of December whilst the camp is made safe from Asbestos? Thank you and look forward to seeing your answers shortly. Kind regards, Philip Nash

    PEN asked 3 months ago

    Dear Philip,

    Thank you for your message. We are still awaiting a formal response from the Home Office regarding Crowborough Army Camp. As soon as we receive any update, we will share it publicly.

    Kind regards,

    James.

  • Share Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman on Facebook Share Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman on Twitter Share Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman on Linkedin Email Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman link

    Dear Sir Crowborough Army Camp You have some information re the above on your website but when when when are we to have a visit from Wealden to present to Crowborough to meet the local community and listen to our concerns. Could you please confirm whether or not an impact assessment has been concluded and if so what are the findings. Please please please take a lead on this vital matter and not allow the Home Office steamroller their project without any consultation at all. Paul Millman

    Paul Millman asked 4 months ago

    Dear Mr Millman,

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    We are holding a public meeting at Crowborough Community Centre for Crowborough residents on Thursday 13 November at 7.30pm. Tickets were on a first come, first serve basis and have now sold out. However the meeting will also be available to watch and participate in online.  The link to the meeting for online watchers will be available on Thursday 13 November and be put on Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council and our socials. 

    The Home Office and Crowborough Town Council will be in attendance, to answer questions. Nus Ghani MP has also been invited to this meeting. 

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Questions for the Home Office can be sent to public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here: How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK

    We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions. We will continue to press them on this.

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp – Wealden District Council. [wealden.gov.uk] The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK


    Kind regards, 

    James

    crowborough army camp
    crowborough army camp
  • Share Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you on Facebook Share Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you on Twitter Share Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you on Linkedin Email Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you link

    Dear Cllr Partridge, I note that the WDC has now called a public meeting with Home Office officials to discuss the plans for Crowborough Training Camp. Might i suggest that as many of the fears surrounding this issue are about the possibility of increased crime (and also the possibility of large protests on a fast and busy stretch of A road) that the Sussex Police and Crime commissioner should also be made to attend? Thank you

    Paul Dunn asked 4 months ago

    Dear Mr Dunn, 

    Thank you for contacting us and for taking the time to share your concerns about accommodating asylum seekers at Crowborough Camp. We know that this is causing concern and apprehension for residents, and we appreciate you reaching out to make your views known.

    We can confirm that the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner has been invited to attend the public meeting on Thursday 13 November. 

    The Home Office and Crowborough Town Council will be in attendance, to answer questions. Nus Ghani MP has also been invited to this meeting. 

    The Home Office are the lead agency for resettlement and responsible for all decisions in relation to the use and suitability of the site. Questions for the Home Office can be sent to public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by post at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.

    You could also direct your question to them as a Freedom of Information request which would require them to answer in 21 days. The link to do this is here:  How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request: How to make an FOI request - GOV.UK

    We have written to the Home Office to object strongly to their proposals and are taking advice from a barrister about what legal steps we might be able to take.

    We and our local public sector partners have been pressing the Home Office for more details of their proposals and assurances that the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure that their proposals have as little impact as possible on the community, in particular on community tensions. We will continue to press them on this. 

    We will post any updates, including details of any public meetings, on our website: Crowborough Army Camp - Wealden District Council The Home Office have also created a factsheet to provide updates: Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex: factsheet - GOV.UK 

    Kind regards,

    James

Page last updated: 25 Sep 2025, 03:05 PM