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Wildlife Rules Could Block Barnham Plans

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 16:50

Plans to house up to 1,250 asylum seekers at RAF Barnham could face a significant legal obstacle over protected wildlife habitats.

Plans to accommodate up to 1,250 asylum seekers at the former RAF Barnham site could face a significant legal obstacle because of protections for nearby wildlife habitats.

West Suffolk Council leader Cliff Waterman has written to the government arguing that the site’s location within a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation buffer zone may prevent the development from going ahead.

The council says restrictions under national Habitats Regulations have previously limited development in the area because of potential impacts on protected wildlife. It argues that the same legal requirements would still have to be met regardless of which planning powers the government chose to use.

The Home Office announced in June that RAF Barnham was one of three former military sites being considered for asylum accommodation, with the Suffolk site potentially housing up to 1,250 people. The proposal remains subject to feasibility work, planning requirements and other necessary approvals.

West Suffolk Council has unanimously opposed the plan, also raising concerns about the rural location, transport links and pressure on local services.

The council says previous discussions with Natural England suggest the ecological restrictions may be extremely difficult to overcome.

The Home Office says environmental, legal and planning assessments will form part of the process before any final decision is made.

 

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