A DATE has been set for Braintree Council's appeal against a High Court decision to dismiss its challenge against housing asylum seekers at a disused airfield.

In July last year, the council was given permission to pursue a judicial review to challenge the Home Office’s use of RAF Wethersfield to house up to 1,700 asylum seekers.

The case took place at the High Court over a two-day hearing on Tuesday, October 31, and Wednesday, November 1, in which the council pursued to challenge the Home Office in their decision to use the site.

However, the High Court in London ruled against the council.

Following the decision, the council decided to appeal, with a formal date now set.

A spokesman for Braintree Council said: “We have received confirmation our appeal against the decision of the High Court, where we challenged the Home Office’s decision to use the RAF Wethersfield site to house up to 1,700 asylum seekers, will take place on and June 11 and 12.

“This will also be heard alongside other appeals brought by West Lindsey District Council for the RAF Scampton site and a resident from Wethersfield.”

The spokesman continued: “We understand the Home Office still plans to extend the temporary use of the site for at least a further three years by seeking planning permission through a Special Development Order when their emergency permitted development rights, known as Class Q, run out in April.

“We understand this is progressing and we await to hear more.

“We were given the opportunity to provide our comments on this process where we raised various concerns over the lack of information provided and the failure to ensure meaningful engagement with stakeholders and the local community.

“With the site still in operation, we continue to maintain an open dialogue with the Home Office.

“Whilst holding them to account and doing our best, working alongside partner agencies, to ensure the needs of residents, both local people and those living at the site, are met.”