Buildings could soon be demolished at an immigration detention centre near Oxford as plans have been lodged. 

Campsfield House on Langford Lane in Kidlington closed in 2017 after significant local protests.

But the government has plans to redevelop and later reopen the site.

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This could constitute a 400-bed detention centre for men.

The latest planning application concerns the demolition of temporary buildings and structures around the main building.

These include a cellblock, faith building and plant room.

Oxford Mail:

The application has been submitted by the Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Home Office.

It was received by Cherwell District Council on May 23 and a target decision date has been given as June 20.

Government plans to reopen the site have been met with fierce opposition from MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran who has described the centre as cruel.

She said back in April: “Immigration detention is cruel, ineffective, costly and will have enormous impacts for our local community.

“It was clear from our discussion that across parties, and across levels of government we stand united in opposition to these proposals.

“With the current backlog of asylum claims standing at over 160,000 the government must instead prioritise improving the system for processing claims.

“Spending £170 million of taxpayer money on a facility to hold 400 people is nonsensical.”

Councillor for Oxfordshire County Council, Andrew Gant has supported Ms Moran's calls for the centre to be closed permanently.

He said:"Campsfield House should be closed.

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"I am proud of the long and vigorous local campaign opposing Campsfield, and repeat my support for that campaign.

"This Tory government's treatment of some of the world's most vulnerable people is a disgrace.

"The Illegal Migration Bill reverses many decades of consensus around the basic levels of decency which a civilised country should offer to those fleeing violence and need and seeking sanctuary.

Oxford Mail:

"Even Tory MPs are opposing the opening of new facilities in their own constituencies."

A Home Office spokesman previously said: “The government is committed to the removal of foreign criminals and those with no right to be in the UK.

“Immigration removal centres play a vital role in controlling our borders.

"The new site at Campsfield House will help to ensure we effectively deal with those who are here illegally.

“As plans progress, we will continue to engage with the local community, the police and other interested parties.”

The Home Office announced last year that Campsfield House would be redeveloped in order to create a 400-bedroom immigration removal centre for men.