A second immigration removal centre is being built at Gatwick

The Home Office said the government had seen the benefits of locating centres near airports, such as two at Heathrow and an existing one at Gatwick.

It said the move would maintain capacity following the closure of Oakington Removal Centre, in Cambridgeshire, this September.

There are currently 10 removal centres in the UK with 2,545 places in total.

Home Office minister Tony McNulty said: "Removing those who have no right to remain in the UK is an integral part of our balanced approach to asylum and immigration."

Planning application due

He said asylum applications were at their lowest level since 1994 and removals were on the increase but it was recognised more needed to be done to ensure public confidence in a "robust and fair" system.

He said alternatives to detention being considered included encouraging more people to return voluntarily and electronic monitoring of individuals.

The new purpose-built unit at Gatwick would ensure detention where necessary "to protect the integrity and effectiveness of immigration controls".

The Home Office said BAA Lynton, on behalf of the Airport Property Partnership, would seek planning consent for the airport site, with the centre expected to open in 2008.