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Date submitted

6 August 2026

Submitted by

Interested party

I wish to register my strong objection to the proposed expansion of the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre. My objection relates solely on material planning considerations and the significant local impacts arising from the scale of the proposed development. Whilst this is a Crown application, I believe the evidence submitted fails to demonstrate that the proposal can be accommodated without causing unacceptable harm to the surrounding area and Borough. The proposed increase in capacity represents a substantial intensification of the existing planned use. Gosport is geographically constrained as a peninsula with very limited access routes and the local highway network already experiences severe congestion on a regular basis. Journey times between Gosport and Portsmouth frequently become excessive during peak periods, with delays often extending well beyond an hour. Against this background a projected increase of more than 700 additional vehicle movements each day would place further pressure on a transport network that is already operating close to capacity. This is likely to result in increased congestion, poorer air quality, longer journey times, greater disruption to residents and businesses. The roads of the Borough are already at breaking point due to insufficient funding from the county council. The proposal would also result in significant harm to residential amenity. Residents living adjacent to the site purchased or occupied their properties with the expectation that the development would remain broadly consistent with the form and scale previously used. The introduction of an additional storey would materially alter the appearance and prominence of the buildings. Therefore creating a more dominant visual impact on neighbouring homes. The increased height would also give rise to greater overlooking, loss of privacy and a reduction in the quiet enjoyment of nearby residential properties. These are recognised planning considerations which in my view, have not been satisfactorily addressed within this application. The application also raises serious concerns regarding transparency and public accountability. A significant proportion of the supporting information has been heavily redacted, making it impossible for residents, elected representatives and other interested parties to properly assess the likely impacts of the proposal. This lack of openness restricts meaningful public participation and undermines confidence that the proposal has been subject to appropriate scrutiny, particularly given the scale of the development and its implications for the local community. In my view, insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the existing infrastructure is capable of accommodating such a significant increase in activity. Before any decision is made, independently verified assessments should be published covering the impact on the highway network, public services, emergency services, environmental quality and the living conditions of neighbouring residents. Without this evidence it cannot reasonably be concluded that the proposal represents sustainable development or that its impacts can be adequately mitigated. Finally, given that this proposal extends significantly beyond the scope of the existing development, I request that any this proposal to further increase the capacity, footprint or height of the Immigration Removal Centre should be subject to full public consultation. This gives complete transparency and a comprehensive planning assessment before any further approval is contemplated. The local community should not be faced with expansion without proper scrutiny or the opportunity to make informed representations. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the proposal is not supported unless and until it can be clearly demonstrated that it will not result in unacceptable harm to Gosport's transport network, residential amenity and infrastructure! I would be very interested in attending any hearing if scheduled.