Dame Caroline Dinenage, Member of Parliament for Gosport, has criticised the Government for failing to properly engage with local residents over significantly altered plans for the expansion of Haslar Immigration Removal Centre, including the introduction of three-storey buildings that were not part of the proposals previously shown to residents.
The Home Office’s outline Crown Development application was published by the Planning Inspectorate on 6 July 2026, following the acceptance of its National Importance case. The proposals would expand Haslar IRC to a total of 600 secure beds. Residents have until 11.59pm on 6 August 2026 to submit comments to the Planning Inspectorate.
Caroline said:
“It’s ludicrous that the Government will not allow significant engagement with Gosport people and their democratic representatives over the new plans for Haslar IRC.
“Those plans are measurably different now to those produced under the previous Government. There needs to be more opportunity for local people to have their say, especially as the new buildings are taller and will have more impact on the local community.”
Sharing the news on Facebook, Caroline also expressed concern that important information within the newly published application remains redacted.
Caroline will now examine the application in full before submitting a formal response setting out her opposition to the scheme, particularly the inclusion of three-storey buildings.
Caroline is also due to meet Home Office Minister Alex Norris to raise residents’ concerns directly and press the Government for greater transparency and meaningful local engagement.
Residents can view the application documents and submit comments through the Planning Inspectorate’s Crown Development website.
You can read view the planning application at https://find-crown-development.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/applications/7fe2266a-f9a0-4e95-a294-54c363c7821d/application-information
