Military base asylum plans granted planning approval

The government has granted planning permission to use part of the former MoD Bicester site near Piddington, Oxfordshire, to house asylum seekers. The decision advances the proposal but does not mean the Home Office has decided to go ahead; it has drawn strong local opposition and criticism from politicians.

The plans allow for up to 1,256 men, with existing buildings demolished and modular accommodation and health and welfare facilities provided. The application was fast-tracked as an Urgent Crown Development, and the government report recorded 3,177 objections and one letter of support. A legal challenge may be brought to the High Court within six weeks, but only on the grounds that the decision was legally flawed.