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Date submitted

5 August 2026

Submitted by

Interested party

I wish to object to the proposed expansion of the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport. While I recognise the Government’s responsibility to operate an effective immigration system, I do not believe this proposal has adequately demonstrated that such a substantial increase in capacity can be accommodated without significant impacts on the surrounding community. The proposed expansion represents a major increase in the scale of the facility. This will inevitably place additional pressure on local roads, parking, public services, and the surrounding residential area. Residents deserve clear evidence that these impacts have been fully assessed and that appropriate mitigation measures are in place before any approval is granted. I am also concerned that the development is being progressed without sufficient local democratic oversight. A proposal of this size should be determined through a transparent planning process that gives proper weight to the views of local residents and elected representatives. The Home Office should also provide greater clarity on operational matters, including traffic management, construction impacts, staffing levels, security arrangements, environmental effects, noise, lighting, and how the welfare of both detainees and neighbouring residents will be protected. The Haslar site sits within an area of historic and environmental significance. Any new development should be sympathetic to its surroundings and minimise visual impact. The proposed scale of expansion raises legitimate concerns about whether this objective has been achieved. I therefore ask that the application is not approved unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that: • the infrastructure and local services can support the expansion; • construction and operational impacts on neighbouring residents will be effectively mitigated; • the design minimises harm to the local environment and heritage setting; • there has been meaningful engagement with the local community; and • the proposal has been subject to full and transparent local scrutiny. The Government should ensure that decisions of this significance balance operational needs with the interests of the community that will live alongside the facility for many years to come.