Barnham RAF Camp
The Home Office announced on Thursday, 25 June 2026, that they are considering proposals to house asylum seekers at RAF Barnham, also known as Barnham Camp.
This page will be updated on the latest information or links to where updates can be found.
Ministerial statement made on Monday, 29 June 2026
Ministerial statement announced by Alex Norris MP: “Today I can confirm to the House that three new ex-military sites are now under consideration: Barnham in Suffolk, Bicester in Oxfordshire and Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire. Together, those sites could eventually provide accommodation for around 3,750 asylum seekers, subject to feasibility assessments, planning permission and the necessary approvals.”
Read the full statement: UK Parliament - Asylum accommodation: ending hotel use and expanding alternative accommodation
The Home Office has also released a factsheet about the proposals they are considering: GOV.UK - MoD Barnham, Suffolk: factsheet
West Suffolk Council
On Wednesday, 1 July, West Suffolk Council held an extraordinary meeting called by Council Leader, Cllr Cliff Waterman.
Cllr Waterman proposed a motion, seconded by Cllr Andrew Smith, local member for Barnham calling for the council to agree RAF Barnham is not the right place to home asylum seekers. Councillors backed the motion unanimously which gives the council a stronger voice in any talks with the Home Office and better able to pass on the concerns of local communities.
In summary the motion said West Suffolk Council agrees:
- to state clearly that RAF Barnham is not a suitable location for the Home Office proposal, because of the site’s rural setting, limited local infrastructure, constrained transport links and the likely impact on local services and communities
- to engage urgently and constructively with the Home Office to set out a strong and robust evidence-based case against the use of RAF Barnham for this purpose
- to work with local communities to ensure that their concerns are heard and represented accurately, while making clear that the council will not support or amplify divisive language, discrimination, or hostility.
The full motion can be found: Paper number: COU/WS/26/014 - Proposed use of RAF Barnham as asylum accommodation
The link to the live stream of the debate can be found: YouTube - Extraordinary meeting of West Suffolk Council - 1 July 2026
Following that meeting Cllr Waterman has written to the Minister to inform him of the Council’s decision and outlining the reasons why the Council believes Barnham is not the right place.
West Suffolk Council is also working closely with Barnham Parish Council to keep local residents updated about what is happening:
Are you the planning authority?
Although West Suffolk Council is a planning authority the Government also has special planning powers of their own. We are awaiting to see exactly what the Home Office is proposing and therefore, whether it needs planning permission or what advice is required.