Residents in Barnham, Suffolk, have voiced strong opposition to government plans to establish an asylum seeker accommodation centre at RAF Barnham, a nearby Ministry of Defence site. The proposals, announced in June, involve housing up to 1,250 male asylum seekers at the facility, a number that, if accurate, would more than double the village’s population of 580.

John Bauer, chairman of Barnham parish council, said the community’s concerns echo those of residents in Piddington, Oxfordshire, where plans for a similar asylum seeker centre sparked a symbolic referendum on leaving the UK. In Piddington, with a population of 350, the vote was overwhelmingly in favour of disaffiliation, tallying 285 to 26, and the council has drawn national attention to their opposition. Bauer has indicated that Barnham is exploring the possibility of holding a comparable referendum as a means to amplify their objections to the scheme.

Bauer highlighted the scale and nature of the planned facility as key issues. The centre is expected to accommodate single men who would typically stay for around 90 days, potentially leading to approximately 5,000 individuals passing through the camp annually, and up to 50,000 over a projected ten-year period. While the asylum seekers are not confined to the site, their presence in close proximity to the village has raised concerns about safety and community wellbeing.

“There are children of all ages in the village, and more who travel from nearby Thetford to attend our local primary school,” Bauer said, underscoring parental worries about the camp’s impact. He also cited anxieties provoked by government-issued leaflets advising asylum seekers not to commit sex offences or harass local women, which some residents interpret as an acknowledgment of potential risks.

The local population is further frustrated by the planning process. Because the project is classified as a “Crown development application” due to its urgent nature, the proposal bypasses local councils and goes directly to the Secretary of State or the Planning Inspectorate. This procedure limits opportunities for public consultation and has intensified feelings of disenfranchisement among Barnham residents.

Economic repercussions have begun to manifest according to Bauer, who recounted at least one instance of a property sale collapsing when buyers withdrew after learning of the plans. This, in turn, has heightened stress for affected homeowners.

Despite strong opposition, Bauer stressed that the community’s resistance is not driven by a lack of compassion. Working with a charity supporting refugees housed at other military sites, he acknowledged the challenges faced by asylum seekers, including mental health issues, which may be exacerbated by the proposed camp environment.

Bauer characterized Barnham as a close-knit village with an active community and fairness at its core, expressing a determination to protect the village’s character. He called for solidarity among communities facing similar plans to strengthen their collective voice and influence government decisions.

“We don’t want this to damage what we have here,” Bauer said. “If we present a united front, it’s more likely to attract the Government’s attention.”