With the UK Government stating that it is considering using military barracks rather than hotels to house asylum seekers, attention has been brought on Penally Training Camp once again – on the outskirts of Tenby, which was utilised during the Covid lockdown.
The camp, which has been in existence since 1860 as a military training facility, was prominent in the headlines between October 2020 and March 2021 when it became the controversial base for asylum seekers during the pandemic.
Amid protests from inside and outside its gates, the camp housed up to 250 asylum seekers at the height of its occupancy.
Eventually, the training camp returned to Military of Defence control, following a damning inspection report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons and the independent chief inspector of Borders and Immigration, which highlighted the environment as being “rundown”, “impoverished” and “unsuitable for long-term accommodation”.
The camp itself closed in late 2022, and was put up for sale the following year.
Back in January of this year, an early stage ‘observations’ application, validated by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners, listed the former training camp site for a proposed redevelopment.
This month, according to Defence Secretary John Healey, newly appointed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to unveil detailed plans soon to move people from hotels to Ministry of Defence sites, a strategy aimed at hardening immigration policy and cutting costs.
The Defence Secretary stated that the government is exploring the use of military facilities to accommodate people arriving on small boats, noting the need to ‘restore public confidence in border control’.
County councillor for the ward, Cllr Phil Kidney told the Observer that he doesn’t believe Penally Camp can ever be a ‘suitable location’ for housing large numbers of asylum seekers again.
“I am not aware of any current plans to reopen Penally Camp for use as asylum accommodation. However, based on experience, I would have serious concerns should such a proposal be considered again,” he told the Observer.
“The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration’s inspection of Penally Camp in 2021 identified several significant issues, including inadequate consultation with local stakeholders, poor living conditions, and serious impacts on residents’ mental health.
“The report highlighted that many residents felt depressed and isolated, and that the site was not suitable for long-term accommodation.
“Given that the site has remained unused for some time, it is likely that conditions have deteriorated further. Any future use would need to address these concerns comprehensively and involve meaningful engagement with local authorities and communities.
Back in January of this year, an early stage ‘observations’ application, validated by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners, listed the former training camp site at Penally for a proposed redevelopment. (Observer pic)
“However, even if such engagement was to be undertaken and I fully recognise that accommodating asylum seekers is a national responsibility, I don’t believe Penally Camp can ever be a suitable location for housing large numbers of asylum seekers.
“The area simply lacks the specialist support services needed to meet the complex needs many asylum seekers may have—such as mental health care and treatment for less common health conditions.
“It also lacks the cultural, linguistic, and religious infrastructure that would help ensure they are properly supported and integrated,” added Cllr Kidney.