Braintree District Council's leader has vowed to continue advocating for communities impacted by Wethersfield Asylum Centre as the Government looks to extend the site's use.
Braintree District Council's leader has vowed to continue advocating for communities impacted by Wethersfield Asylum Centre as the Government looks to extend the site's use.
The Council pursued a series of legal challenges against the Home Office’s use of Wethersfield Airfield for asylum accommodation between March 2023 and May 2024.
Our opposition to the site remains steadfast and Cllr Tom Cunningham said the Council’s key focus is ensuring residents' concerns continue to be heard by the Home Office
"Last week's news that the Home Office intends to extend the use of Wethersfield beyond next April through the Urgent Crown Development (UCD) process was incredibly disappointing," he said.
"This planning route will be the third time the Government has attempted to bypass the Council's planning powers.
"Make no mistake, we want this site closed as soon as possible and we will be taking advice on the legal basis for any decision taken by the Home Office to extend the use of the site through the UCD process. Whilst the site remains operational, we will continue to hold the Home Office to account and champion the interests of our communities."
Since the site's opening, the Council has consistently raised concerns about the suitability of the location and its impact on the district.
It has regularly challenged the Home Office on operational issues, sought greater transparency around future plans, and pressed for action to address residents' concerns.
The Council set up and co-chairs the Multi Agency Forum (MAF), which brings together the Council with the Home Office, Essex County Council, Essex Police, health partners and other organisations.
These meetings provide oversight of issues affecting the site and surrounding communities, allowing concerns to be raised by specialist officers directly with those responsible for its operation.
Cllr Cunningham continued: "Since the first asylum seekers were moved to Wethersfield in July 2023, we have not shied away from robust discussions with the Home Office to secure better outcomes for our communities.
"Transport into the centres of Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester, community safety concerns and wider operational impacts are among more than 1,400 points of discussion that have taken place. We also maintain regular contact with the Home Office on a weekly basis.
"This responsible, community-minded work does not grab headlines but has been ongoing with partners in a sensitive and challenging environment. It has been the key to maintaining community cohesion.
"We're as frustrated as anyone else about the situation. We have not stopped opposing the site and will continue to do so whilst holding the Home Office to its commitment to make the site as self-sustaining as possible."