Update July 2026
The Home Office has now submitted its planning application for Phase 2 of the redevelopment of Haslar Immigration Removal Centre. The proposals would increase the site’s overall capacity to 600 beds and include the construction of four new three-storey accommodation buildings.
The full application and supporting documents can be viewed here.
Caroline has submitted a detailed objection to the application, raising concerns about the height and scale of the proposed buildings, traffic and night-time disturbance, flood risk, pressure on local services, the impact on protected habitats and the neighbouring conservation area, and the lack of meaningful public engagement.
Caroline is also deeply disappointed that the Government has chosen to use the Crown Development process, meaning the application will be determined nationally rather than through the usual local planning process at Gosport Borough Council.
Caroline’s full objection can be read below.
Update June 2026
Caroline questioned Home Office Minister Alex Norris MP in the House of Commons about the expansion and what the Government’s plans to increase removals would mean for Haslar. The Minister agreed to meet with Caroline but later cancelled the meeting.
Caroline has since written to the Home Secretary asking for an urgent meeting with the new Minister so that residents’ concerns can be properly addressed.
Update May 2026
We are still awaiting the Home Office’s planning application for Phase 2 of Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.
Many residents were as concerned as Caroline to see the latest plans showing three-storey buildings at the site. This is not what was shown in the early proposals presented at the initial residents’ meetings.
Caroline is also extremely concerned that the application looks set to be decided nationally rather than by local councillors who know the area, are accountable to residents and would consider local concerns through the usual planning process.
Caroline has called on the Home Secretary to submit the application through Gosport Borough Council, just as any other applicant would be required to do, and allow local people to have a proper say.
Update March 2026
Caroline posted a video update on her Facebook page covering Phase 2 planning, Phase 1 construction, and parking. You can watch that here.
Update October 2025
The Home Office held its second public engagement event at Thorngate Halls on 10th October, where residents were shown the plans for Phase 2 of Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.
There was a good turnout, and Caroline attended to hear residents’ views and see the proposals for the first time.
Caroline raised concerns about the proposed three-storey buildings, which she believes would be too high for the site.
Haslar IRC Background
Redevelopment at Haslar has taken a phased approach, with Phase 1 consisting of the refurbishment of existing buildings, and Phase 2 involving the building of new accommodation. Phase 1 will provide 130 beds, and is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. The Government’s intention is for the site to ultimately provide 600 beds. The site, which was an Immigration Removal Centre for over 30 years before it closed in 2016 is expected to create around 500 jobs.
When it reopens, the IRC will be a secure site for time-served Foreign National Offenders and immigration offenders awaiting removal from the UK. People detained at Haslar will not be able to leave the site or access the local area.
Since the 2024 General Election Caroline has been keen to engage with the Ministers to ensure that Gosport residents’ views were being considered by the Government. Caroline stressed the utmost importance of keeping residents informed and updated.
Caroline continues to monitor the progress closely, prioritising the well-being of local residents, and pushing for them to be kept informed throughout the process. The Home Office is still in the process of redeveloping the site under Phase 1, which was delayed due to a number of factors including asbestos.
Caroline recently received a copy of a letter which was sent to neighbouring residents from the Home Office with information regarding the site. She has been clear that local people need reassurance that the health facilities on site (which sound considerably better than those available locally!) won’t take resources away from local services.
