Oxfordshire objects as Home Office seeks to expand Campsfield immigration removal centre

# What happened

# Why the council objects

# The Home Office position Campsfield underwent a refurbishment costing 70 million pounds and was redeveloped to high security standards before reopening in December 2025. It describes the public inquiry as a standard part of Crown Development planning applications and encourages residents and stakeholders to share views through the formal process. The department also links investments in detention capacity to its removals activity since the 2024 general election, noting the scale of returns and deportations carried out.

# Background on Campsfield Campsfield has a documented history of problems predating its 2018 closure: there have been riots, escapes, and complaints about conditions. Those issues contributed to its shutdown in 2018. The centre reopened in December 2025 with a reported 160 detention spaces following the refurbishment. Local MPs, residents and charities have opposed the centre over the years, describing it in strongly critical terms.

# Planning process and next steps

# What this means locally The council frames the core issue as local concern about the presence and scale of immigration detention in Oxfordshire. If the expansion proceeds it would more than double capacity at Campsfield. Council officials say that outcome could require extra policing resources and would keep pressure on community relations in surrounding areas. Campaigners and charities that oppose detention cite the site's past problems and argue for alternatives to detention.

# Practical points for readers

• Local residents and stakeholders can register views through the public inquiry process overseen by the Planning Inspectorate.
• Inspectorate timetable and hearing dates determine when formal evidence and representations must be submitted.
• Arguments in the inquiry are likely to cover community safety, policing needs, site history, conditions at the centre, and wider government immigration policy.

# Bottom line Oxford county leaders want the expansion blocked or reconsidered. The Home Office says the refurbished site meets standards and that expanded capacity supports its immigration enforcement objectives. A public inquiry will decide how those positions weigh against planning and local impact considerations.