Back to list

Date submitted

5 August 2026

Submitted by

Interested party

STRONG OBJECTION – PROPOSED EXPANSION OF HASLAR IMMIGRATION REMOVAL CENTRE, GOSPORT Planning Application: 26/00216/CROWN I wish to strongly object to the proposed expansion of Haslar Immigration Removal Centre. I am deeply concerned about the scale of this development and its impact on the surrounding residential community, the character of Haslar and the quality of life of local residents. The proposed expansion would represent a substantial increase in the size and capacity of the facility. I do not believe that the cumulative impact of this expansion on the local community has been adequately addressed. Loss of privacy and impact on neighbouring homes The proposed three-storey accommodation buildings are of particular concern to residents living close to the site. Their height, scale and proximity could result in overlooking, loss of privacy, visual intrusion and a greater sense of enclosure for neighbouring properties. Residents should not have to accept such a substantial change to their outlook and privacy without clear evidence that these impacts have been properly assessed and satisfactorily mitigated. Construction noise and disruption The additional construction works will cause further noise, dust, vehicle movements, disruption and disturbance for residents living nearby. The community has already experienced disruption associated with development at the site, and I am concerned that further works will prolong these problems. There should be strict and enforceable controls on construction hours, noise, dust, deliveries and construction traffic. Traffic, parking and road safety A facility of this substantially increased size will inevitably generate additional movements by staff, contractors, service vehicles and visitors. I am concerned about the consequences for Dolphin Way, Fort Road and surrounding residential roads, including increased congestion, parking pressure, road safety concerns and difficulties for residents accessing their homes. The additional traffic generated by the proposed expansion must be assessed properly against the existing capacity of the local road network. Historic Haslar Haslar is a unique and historically important area of Gosport, and the scale of the proposed development risks changing its character significantly. The proposed new buildings and associated infrastructure could have a detrimental effect on the historic setting, appearance and character of the area. The historic importance of Haslar must not be treated as secondary to the operational requirements of the proposed facility. Impact on the local community This is not simply a development contained within an existing site. Increasing the facility to such a significant scale will have consequences for the people who live around it. Residents have legitimate concerns about privacy, noise, traffic, parking, construction disruption, visual impact and the long-term character of their neighbourhood. These concerns deserve meaningful consideration. Local scrutiny and community involvement I am also concerned about the extent to which local residents can influence a development of this scale through the planning process. The people who live closest to Haslar understand the existing problems and pressures in the area and should have a meaningful opportunity to have their concerns heard. A development of this significance should receive full and transparent scrutiny, particularly given its potential long-term impact on the surrounding community. Conclusion I strongly object to this proposal and ask that the application be refused unless the applicant can demonstrate, with clear evidence, that the full cumulative impact of the expansion has been properly assessed and that effective measures can be put in place to protect local residents. In particular, I ask that serious consideration is given to: * Loss of privacy and overlooking from the proposed three-storey buildings. * Visual impact and the scale of the development. * Construction noise, dust and disruption. * Increased traffic and vehicle movements. * Parking pressure and road safety. * The impact on neighbouring residential properties. * The historic character and setting of Haslar. * The effect on the amenity and quality of life of local residents. * The capacity of local roads and infrastructure. * The cumulative impact of the proposed increase in the facility’s capacity. * The adequacy of consultation and meaningful involvement of the local community. This is a major development in a sensitive and historically important location. The people who live alongside Haslar should not be expected to simply absorb the consequences of an expansion of this scale without their concerns being properly considered. I therefore ask that my objection is formally recorded and given full consideration before any decision is made. Yours faithfully, [Christine Smart