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Date submitted

6 August 2026

Submitted by

Interested party

Objection to the Home Office Phase 2 Planning Application – Haslar Immigration Removal Centre I wish to register my strong objection to the proposed Phase 2 redevelopment of Haslar Immigration Removal Centre. My principal concern is that this proposal is entirely out of keeping with its surroundings. The development would significantly increase the capacity of the site to approximately 600 detainees through the construction of four large three-storey accommodation blocks. This represents an overly intensive form of development in what is predominantly a low-rise suburban residential area. The scale, height and massing of the proposed buildings would fundamentally alter the character of the area. The proposal would have an overbearing impact on neighbouring homes and would be visually intrusive, particularly when viewed from surrounding residential streets and the nearby conservation area. I am also concerned that such a substantial increase in the size of the Immigration Removal Centre is incompatible with the residential nature of the surrounding neighbourhood. Haslar is located close to family homes, schools, recreational facilities and areas regularly used by local residents, including women and children. While the Home Office states that the site will be secure, the scale of the proposed expansion is likely to create a perception of reduced safety and security within the community. This perception is itself an important consideration, as it can affect residents’ willingness to use local public spaces, particularly after dark, and diminish their quality of life. The proposal is also likely to generate increased vehicle movements, staff traffic, servicing requirements and operational activity, including during unsocial hours. This would inevitably increase noise and disturbance for nearby residents. Furthermore, I remain concerned about the pressure that a development of this scale could place on local infrastructure and public services, including emergency services, transport networks and healthcare provision. These impacts should be fully assessed and mitigated before any approval is considered. The use of the Crown Development process is also disappointing, as it removes the application from the normal local planning process. A development of this magnitude should be subject to full scrutiny by locally elected councillors who understand the character of the area and are directly accountable to local residents. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Secretary of State refuses planning permission. The proposed development is excessive in scale, inappropriate for its suburban location, harmful to the character of the area, and fails to demonstrate that its impacts on neighbouring residents and the wider community would be acceptable.