Home Office submits application for RAF Barnham in Suffolk - EUROPE SAYS
Plans to use RAF Barnham as one of three bases – including in Bicester and at MoD Linton-on-Ouse – to house up to 3,750 migrants were revealed last month. The move sparked significant controversy locally,with. . .
Plans to use RAF Barnham as one of three bases – including in Bicester and at MoD Linton-on-Ouse – to house up to 3,750 migrants were revealed last month. The move sparked significant controversy locally,with multiple protests held outside the base over the past few weeks. Nick Timothy, the MP for West Suffolk, has today revealed an email in which the Home Office confirmed it had submitted an ‘Urgent Crown Development’ bid to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This sort of application bypasses the council as decision-maker under a simplified, quicker process, with a final verdict to be handed out by the Secretary of State. Protesters at RAF Barnham. Picture: Joao SantosThe email says the application has been made due to the national importance in ‘responding to sustained pressure on the asylum accommodation estate’ and reducing reliance ‘on hotels and other contingency accommodation’. It adds: “The application enables the relevant planning issues to be considered, but it does not predetermine the outcome, and it remains the case that no final decision has been taken on the site’s future use. ”Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk. Picture: Joao SantosMr Timothy said: “The Home Office says this does not mean a final decision has been made to use Barnham in this way – but of course it shows that the power of the state is fully behind the plan. “I will continue to oppose the imposition of undocumented illegal immigrants on our local community. ”Planning law remains in place for such decisions, with local communities and leaders hoping protected birds may actually provide a key barrier. A protester’s sign ourside RAF Barnham. Picture: Joao SantosThe land in and around the base is subject to legally-binding ecological constraints associated with the siting of stone curlews. Any plans to use the base as asylum accommodation require a special assessment, which has been a roadblock to new housing in the past. Tags:asylumasylum seekers