Planning permission granted for MoD Bicester asylum centre plans
The UK government has granted planning permission to house up to 1,256 asylum seekers at a former military site in Bicester. The decision has faced significant local opposition and legal challenges, with critics arguing the site is unsuitable and the government's use of emergency powers is inappropriate.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing tension between government efforts to manage asylum accommodation and the resistance from local communities and political opponents.
Figure caption, 'It's ludicrous', councillor says of plans to use former military site to house asylum seekers
Planning permission to house asylum seekers at a former military site near the Oxfordshire village of Piddington has been granted by the government.
The Home Office's application to house up to 1,256 men at the MoD Bicester site was fast-tracked using an Urgent Crown Development application.
The nearby village of Piddington symbolically voted to leave the UK in opposition to the planned site, which has also been legally challenged by campaigners.
A Home Office spokesperson said the planning permission "allows us to continue to progress the use of MoD Bicester" but no final decision on the proposal had been taken.
A government report said the decision received 3,177 representations against, and one in support.
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