Two politicians who set up a petition against a proposed immigration camp in Barton Stacey have said “is utterly extraordinary” that public bodies have not been consulted on the plans by the Home Office.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes had written to Highways England regarding the plans after a man was killed on an A303 sliproad in December.

The roads agency said it had yet to be consulted about the scheme but was aware of the proposal.

Proposals to construct an immigration camp at Barton Stacey were first submitted back in December, with a facility planned for MOD lane near to the A303 to hold up to 500 men while their asylum claims are processed.

The plans promoted a quick response from local leaders, with leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, saying: “There are few places I would consider less appropriate for a facility of this nature and it concerns me that this would even be considered.”

He put together a petition with Nokes against the plans, which have gained over 3,300 signatures to date.

Residents were also concerned about the plans, which they said would “totally change the dynamic of the village.”

As part of their ongoing campaign, Nokes wrote to the Highways England following the news that a man, Jason Paul Lucas, had been killed on the A303 after being struck by what police believe was a large goods vehicle.

In its response, Highways England indicated that it had yet to be approached about the scheme but said that it was aware of the Home Office’s proposal.

Caroline Nokes said: “My worry is that if the Home Office has thus far failed to consult with Highways England, then which other key agencies have they also failed to consult?

Those who would be living in the camp deserve to be housed in a safe and suitable location. They don’t deserve to be plonked in portacabin style accommodation next to a small village with few local facilities, and with the prospect of risking their lives, and the lives of others, by walking along the A303 to access local amenities. It simply isn’t good enough and we will continue to fight this.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Phil North said that it was “utterly extraordinary” that the Home Office had not engaged with Highways England on the plans, despite the immigration minister saying that the camp would open in February.

He said: ““I hope this is because the Home Office is now having second thoughts about the suitability of this site, but I fear they may just be progressing with it anyway with little or no consultation with the usual agencies.”

He queried whether the Home Office had consulted other bodies, such as Hampshire Constabulary, the Environment Agency and Natural England, adding: “The longer this continues without the appropriate consultation taking place in the timescales the Home Office have set out, the more sceptical I become about the 'temporary' nature of the site.”

When contacted by the Advertiser, the Home Office said: “We are required by law to provide asylum seekers with suitable accommodation and during the pandemic we have had to secure additional sites.

“We will work with the community to ensure any impacts are addressed.

“We are fixing our asylum system to make it firm and fair – and will be bringing forward legislation to stop abuse of the system while ensuring it is compassionate towards those who need our help.”