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Date submitted

24 July 2026

Submitted by

Interested party

Dear Planning Inspectorate, I am writing to object to the proposed expansion of Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre. The application reference is CROWN/2026/0000004. I am a local resident of over 50 years. I have worked in the Oxfordshire area, for over 30 years. I know this particular area very well. I am objecting to the proposal for the following reasons: - this is Green Belt land. The proposed extension would permanently destroy this protected area. - this proposal would increase the size of Campsfield significantly- from 160 to 400 places. Why are these extra places needed? What alternatives have been considered? -how will the site operate? It will greatly increase transport in a rural area. And add great pressure on local services and infrastructure, such as health. -I am also concerned that the public have not been fully consulted. Finally, detaining immigrants in confined spaces causes serious harm to the people detained. The effects are felt by families, communities, legal and advice services, health services and local residents. I have had some experience of working with detained people in both a work and voluntary capacity. I have no doubt that expanding Campsfield would have significant human and community consequences. For these reasons, I ask that the application is refused. If it is not refused at this stage, I ask that it be examined through a full public inquiry. Yours faithfully, Pauline Simmonds 24th July 2026.