The owner of a former care home at the centre of Burgess Hill protests has condemned social media rumours that the building would be used to house asylum seekers, describing the claims as “unfounded and baseless”. More than 100 people gathered outside the old Firgrove care home on Keymer Road on 15 September for a protest and counter-protest.
The care home, which has been closed since 2021, became the subject of speculation on Facebook that it would become a house of multiple occupation (HMO) for asylum seekers. But the owner said: “The property is in new ownership after the closure of the former care home and is leased to a prospective care home operator to use it as a children care home.” They added that no change of use had been applied for and the current planning use would remain as a care home.
The owner’s statement said: “The recent manifestations on social media are unfounded and baseless but hype news.” It added: “It was never my intention to use the property as HMO but to continue providing care to the community.” The owner said the protests were causing “a lot of distress to innocent people” and delaying development of the site into a modern care facility.
Sussex Police said around 150 people attended the lawful protest and counter-protest. A 58-year-old man from Brighton was arrested for failing to remove a scarf covering his face and was released on bail. Police reported no injuries.
Mid Sussex District Council confirmed it had not received any planning application, change-of-use application or formal submission for the site. The council said it was not aware of any proposals for the building’s use. The Home Office and MP Alison Bennett were also contacted for comment.
Counter-protesters included groups such as Stand Up To Racism. The owner insisted the building would continue to provide care services and would not be used for asylum accommodation.