The site near Braintree was first brought into use in July 2023 before a Special Development Order (SDO) was set in motion in March the following year. This granted temporary permission for up to 1,700 single adult male asylum seekers until April 2027, with six months allowing decommissioning – however, the Home Office capped regular occupancy at 800. He shared the government has now announced plans to extend the use of the site to 2029. Speaking to the Times, Sir James said: “Labour broke their promise to our community. They have lifted the cap on numbers at Wethersfield and now plan to extend use of the site to 2029, two years beyond what was agreed.