The Home Office has unveiled plans to create a “more fit-for-purpose” reception centre for asylum seekers at a former airport.

Land once an RAF base at Manston near Ramsgate has been used to process those crossing the channel since January 2022.

In that time, it has been hit with overcrowding, protests and disease outbreaks.

Now, bosses want to create bigger, better facilities at the site.

The Home Office has launched a consultation into the plans ahead of seeking planning permission.

In a letter to nearby residents, business owners and occupiers, it stated: “The Home Office currently uses the site for initial reception and processing of people arriving by small boat and there are no plans to change its use.

“However, we do intend to upgrade the current temporary infrastructure to provide a more efficient and fit-for-purpose processing centre next to the area currently in use on the Manston site, with the protection of the local community's safety given the same high priority as now.

“The Home Office will be seeking planning permission for this work, with the planning route still to be determined.”

New buildings would be on vacant land next door to the current centre.

It would include a new reception, staff training facility, parking, CCTV and a waste treatment facility.

Consultation documents state: “The current facility is made up of old buildings that have been repurposed, and several temporary structures.

“We have been working hard over the past year to improve facilities, security, equipment; and support services, such as health and welfare capability by working with local partners.

“However, there is scope to make better use of the site and ensure that activities can be carried out as efficiently as possible.

“The facility at Manston continues to play a vital role, enabling us to quickly and safely bring people into the immigration system so that appropriate actions can then be taken.”

Neighbours have until October 1 to voice their views on the proposal.

At least five old buildings will be bulldozed to make way for new construction.

The Home Office expects work to be complete by 2028.

Last month, 96 asylum seekers previously held at the centre announced they were suing the Home Office over claims they were subjected to “ill-treatment” by facility staff.

The group allegedly included unaccompanied children, women who were pregnant at the time of their detention, vulnerable people with mental health conditions and disabilities and victims of trafficking, sexual offences and torture.

In March, the Home Office dropped plans for an Immigration Removal Centre at Manston.

This is a detention centre controversial among human rights groups, immigration support charities and those fighting “unjust detention policies” – with seven in use across the UK.

In 2022, it hit headlines when it was revealed 4,000 people were being held at the centre, despite the capacity being only 1600.

There were also confirmed cases of diphtheria and MRSA among residents.