Migrants centre plan 'deeply disappointing', MP says

A newly published plan to add 470 beds to an immigration removal centre (IRC) has been criticised by the local MP.

The expansion of Haslar IRC in Gosport, Hampshire, was originally proposed in 2022 by the Conservative government.

However, Tory MP for Gosport, Dame Caroline Dinenage, said it was "deeply disappointing" that three-storey buildings were now planned and "ludicrous" that the government had blocked "significant" local engagement.

The plans have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, rather than Gosport Borough Council, on the grounds of national importance, the government said.

The existing Haslar IRC, which closed in 2015, is currently being redeveloped and is due to reopen with 130 beds in 2027, according to the application documents.

The extra accommodation would be in new buildings on adjoining seafront land owned by the Home Office.

Together with proposals for Campsfield IRC in Oxfordshire, the two developments would add 1,000 immigration detention spaces to ease a national shortage, the documents said.

In a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, an unnamed Home Office official said the expansion of Haslar was "critical to strengthen detention capacity".

The official said it would "enable more forced returns, including of foreign national offenders, and individuals with no lawful right to remain, thereby supporting public safety".

However, the MP said the plans were "measurably different now to those produced under the previous government".

She added: "There needs to be more opportunity for local people to have their say, especially as the new buildings are taller and will have more impact on the local community."

Gosport Borough Council will consider the plans on 15 July.

Two Conservative councillors have proposed a motion calling on the authority to express concern over the size of the buildings, the planning process and the redaction of application documents on security grounds.

People have until 6 August to make comments on the Planning Inspectorate website.

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