Manston Processing Centre

The Home Office currently uses the site for the initial processing of people arriving by small boats. It is vital that there is an appropriate facility where those individuals can be securely detained, while their identity and other details are collected and verified. The former RAF base at Manston is the only suitable site available within the east Kent area that could accommodate such a facility, in terms of proximity to points of arrival and the ownership and availability of land.  

While there have been some improvements to the facilities and support services on the Manston site since it was opened for use in February 2022, it remains made up of old buildings that have been repurposed, and several temporary structures. The Home Office is looking to upgrade the current infrastructure, to provide more efficient facilities and reduce overall running costs, whilst ensuring that the site remains fully secure. 

Over time, the government expects to see reduced need for the services currently provided at Manston, as it continues to deliver its strategy to reduce illegal immigration, and tackle the gangs responsible for the small boat trade across the Channel.  

We received 263 responses to the online feedback form. The majority (92%) said they lived or owned property in the local area. Of these, respondents were mostly centred in the areas of Manston village, Minster and Cliffsend (21%, 10% and 8% respectively).  

The feedback has been considered as part of the development of the planning proposal. The main issues raised, relating to the planning proposals, are set out below together with an update from the Home Office. In response to feedback regarding the purpose and need for the site, please see the ‘Why the processing centre at Manston is needed’ section.

Several responses raised concerns about security at the site, including that those using the site might be able to leave the site and regarding the presence of migrants in the area.  

Response:

• The Manston facility is a secure facility, and migrants are detained on site so there is no opportunity for them to go out into the local community. This is maintained through round the clock security and escorting staff. There is also a combination of fixed camera and mobile CCTV at the site, which is monitored 24/7.
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• Home Office proposals include further enhancements to security through additional internal fencing and CCTV.

Many responses commented on or asked about how the developments at the site would impact on public services in the area, asking whether the facility would increase pressure on these.  

Response:

• As an initial processing centre, arrivals remain there for short periods of time (usually 24 hours at most) before being moved elsewhere in the UK. Any immediate healthcare needs are managed by a Home Office commissioned supplier on site.
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• The Home Office liaises with the NHS, local authorities and the UK Health Security Agency regarding any health issues, including to ensure an appropriate response to any migrants identified with communicable diseases, such as isolation or vaccination on site, to prevent further onward infection.

There were a range of responses on this issue. Some responses noted the value of the site as a local employer as well as the potential for job creation or local business opportunities associated with planned construction activity. There were also concerns about the potential impact of the site affecting tourism in the area or property prices.

Response:

• Development of the site will continue to support local growth and jobs. 
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• Regarding the site’s appearance, to date, the Home Office has restored existing buildings and made use of single storey temporary structures. We do not anticipate that the proposed development would have a significant visual impact. Please see the ‘What happens next’ page for more information about development plans.

Responses related to the current and potential impact of site traffic on local roads, including the combined impact of the airport development plans and new housing.

Response:

• A few responses referenced the junction near to the entrance of the site (Spitfire Junction) and the need for greater traffic management there. The Home Office is liaising constructively with local authorities and landowners to consider this.
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• The Home Office continues to review other opportunities to encourage sustainable staff travel in order to minimise any potential impacts on local roads.

A small number of respondents raised issues or questions concerning negative light and noise impacts of the site operations e.g. lighting at night or the noise from generators and vehicles.  

Response:

• Measures have been taken on site to reduce reliance on generators and the planned improvements to the site include replacing generators with mains electricity. Similarly, work has been done to try to address lighting concerns that have been raised by neighbouring residents, for example by switching lights off or redirecting them, whilst continuing to ensure there is sufficient light for staff to safely carry out their work.
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• These issues will be carefully considered as work on the site continues, to minimise any impacts.

Only a few responses referred to the visual impact of the site. This included some in favour of improving facilities and to stop using marquees. There was also some feedback supporting preserving the historical or existing facilities on site. 

Response:

• It is intended that any new structures will be in the same part of the site currently in use, once we have demolished some derelict, contaminated structures. The maximum capacity is intended to be lower than at present. 
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• Existing mature trees and hedgerows will be maintained where possible and new trees and hedgerows will be planted to offset those that will be lost. As such, the planned developments should not have a significant visual impact. Please see the ‘what happens next’ section for details of development plans. 
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• There are no designated heritage assets on the site, but we will work with the appropriate stakeholders if there is a need to make a Historic Building Record.

The Home Office is seeking planning permission through the Urgent Crown Development route to continue using the site for its current purpose and to make the improvements set out below. The planning application has been submitted and is under consideration by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This route is used for developments of strategic national importance and allows proposals to be determined by the Secretary of State for MHCLG, whilst providing effective mechanisms to ensure a development is appropriate.

The current facility at the site is made up of old buildings that have been repurposed and several temporary structures. The Home Office is looking to upgrade the current infrastructure, to provide more efficient facilities. This will enable processing to be carried out more efficiently and reduce running costs.

Work is underway to demolish two derelict buildings and clear any contamination. We will be improving the infrastructure, including to utilities such as connections to mains powers to reduce the use of generators. There will also be some improvements to the roads network, on-site parking and to the staff training facilities which are used by the Home Office, including for operational staff within Immigration Enforcement. We have plans to ensure biodiversity is protected and trees replanted.  

These plans have been developed with value for money in mind, and with flexibility to reduce capacity depending on operational requirements.