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Date submitted

4 August 2026

Submitted by

Interested party

I am writing as a local resident directly affected by the proposed redevelopment at Haslar IRC to register my strongest formal objection to the Phase 2 expansion proposal, which seeks outline planning permission to add 470 extra beds to the site (bringing the total capacity to 600 beds). While I recognize the Crown Development route bypasses standard local authority determination, the Home Office must still comply with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Gosport Borough Local Plan. I object to Phase 2 on the following material planning grounds: 1. Lack of Local Evidence Base and Prematurity Phase 1 of the development (the 130-bed refurbishment) is not yet operational and is not scheduled to open until Spring 2027. Therefore, there is zero empirical data regarding the impact of this facility on our local infrastructure. It is completely premature to grant outline planning permission for a massive 470-bed expansion when the baseline impacts on local traffic, emergency services, flood risks, and NHS capacity for the initial 130 beds have not yet been tested or observed. 2. Overbearing Impact, Loss of Privacy, and Residential Amenity The proposed three-storey secure accommodation blocks represent a severe over-development of the site. These large, institutional buildings will directly overlook existing family homes on Fort Road and adjacent roads. This creates a stark, prison-like visual intrusion, results in a severe loss of privacy for long-standing residents, and significantly degrades the residential amenity of a quiet neighbourhood. 3. Infrastructure and Access Constraints The Peninsula of Gosport already suffers from notoriously constrained transport links and bottleneck traffic. Introducing a 600-bed high-security facility will dramatically increase vehicular movements from staff, visitors, legal professionals, and secure transport vehicles. Furthermore, the proposed amendment to the local coastal path to accommodate expanded car parking undermines local leisure infrastructure and conflicts with local policies aimed at preserving public coastal access. 4. Public Safety, Emergency Services, and Flood Risk The Haslar area sits in a vulnerable coastal location. In the event of a severe flood or emergency requiring evacuation, the addition of 600 detained individuals, who require secure transport, presents a logistical nightmare that will severely strain Gosport’s emergency services. The local infrastructure simply cannot safely support a high-security population of this scale alongside the existing residential community. In addition, responsibility for repairs to the Haslar sea wall, which directly borders the site and is in poor condition, is unclear and undoubtedly unbudgeted for, resulting in a significant risk to the site in the event of the sea wall failing. 5. Material Financial Blight and Community Wellbeing The looming uncertainty of this massive expansion has caused an immediate, measurable blight on the local property market. As a close neighbour, I am facing a severe decline in property value. The government's decision to bypass significant local engagement has left residents feeling entirely invisible, causing profound stress and negatively impacting the mental wellbeing of the community. For these reasons, I urge the Planning Inspectorate to reject the Phase 2 expansion outline planning permission. The Home Office should be required to operate Phase 1 safely and transparently for a minimum trial period before any further capacity increases are ever considered. I would like to attend a hearing if held.