Immigration centre set for planning inquiry

A public planning inquiry is set to be held into proposals to expand an immigration removal centre.

Gosport Borough Council and MP Dame Caroline Dinenage had previously written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging the government to provide greater transparency over proposals for Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.

The existing centre, which closed in 2015, is currently being redeveloped, with government plans for a total of 600 beds for individuals with no lawful right to remain in the UK.

The Planning Inspectorate confirmed a full planning inquiry would begin on 17 November.

Earlier this year the government announced plans for an additional 470 beds at the site, beyond initial plans for 130.

The extra accommodation would be in new buildings on adjoining seafront land owned by the Home Office.

Its planning application said the expansion was "critical to strengthen detention capacity".

A Planning Inspectorate spokesperson said an inquiry was necessary because the application had generated "considerable local interest" and because "some of the issues raised are complex and the evidence would benefit from formal cross-examination."

It said hearings were likely to take place over two to three days. An evening session on 17 November would allow people to express their views.

In August, a letter agreed by a full meeting of Gosport Borough Council set out concerns about democratic accountability, the impact on residents and the need for meaningful engagement over the redevelopment.

At the time, council leader Zoe Huggins called for a "community liaison panel" to be set up for local people's views to be heard by the government.

Tory MP Dinenage previously called the plans "deeply disappointing" .

Following the Planning Inspectorate's announcement, she said a planning inquiry would mean the proposals would be "properly examined and tested".

"The proposed expansion of Haslar would have a significant impact on our community and it is right that the Home Office's case receives the highest level of scrutiny," she added.

The Home Office said it remained confident in the strength of its application.

A spokesperson added: "All Crown Development planning applications require extensive engagement, and a public inquiry of this kind is a standard part of the process.

"We encourage residents and stakeholders to share their views through the formal process.

"Since the election we have returned or deported over 80,000 individuals, including 11,733 foreign national offenders, and these investments are essential to continue ramping up these removals."