Rother District Council was today informed that plans to use the former Northeye site in Bexhill to house asylum seekers will not be progressed.

A letter from Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security & Asylum, to Bexhill and Battle MP Kieran Mullan confirmed that the new Government has scrapped plans for the former prison.

Cllr Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council said: “After almost two years of uncertainty and unanswered questions, we welcome the decision by the new Government not to push ahead with plans to use the former Northeye prison site in Bexhill to house asylum seekers. 

“Apart from serious questions about the safety of the site and its buildings, we shared residents’ concerns about the impact such a plan would have on the community and local services, particularly those living near the site. 

“It’s unfortunate that residents have faced months of uncertainty without any information from the previous Government, but I am sure they will, like us, be relieved to finally have an answer.”

He added: “The letter promises that steps will be taken to ensure the onward sale of the site is carried out appropriately and we look forward to a discussion with the Home Office regarding the future use of the site.”

Published: 9th December 2024