CROWN/2026/0000004 Rachel Trafford
- Date submitted
- 20 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 object because the proposal would more than double the size of Campsfield, from 160 to 400 places, on Green Belt land. The Home Office have stated the land “should be treated as grey belt” but it isn’t and proper Green Belt testing must be met on uses of and expansion upon the land. The Home Office has not evidenced sufficient need and therefore not shown that harm to the Green belt through this expansion is justified. I am concerned that the Home Office are saying more capacity in immigration detention is needed, but not evidencing why properly or releasing enough information to the public on this issue. I am concerned that the expansion would make the site more built-up, harm the openness of the Green Belt, and add pressure to local roads, services and infrastructure. The Home Office has not clearly shown why 240 additional detention places are needed at Campsfield specifically, or why existing capacity, alternatives to detention, or other estate options would not be sufficient. This is especially important because the proposal would involve permanent development on protected land. Because the site is on Green Belt land, this failure to show need is especially serious. I am also concerned that key information has been withheld or redacted, including information about layout, transport, lighting, landscaping and how the site would operate. This makes it difficult for the public to understand the real impact of the proposal. Immigration detention causes serious harm to people detained there, and the effects are felt by families, communities, legal and advice services, health services and local people. Expanding Campsfield would have serious 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 is examined through a full public inquiry. Yours faithfully, Rachel Trafford