UK Grants 1,256-Man Bicester Asylum Site Approval Despite 3,177 Objections

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Nov 13

Planning permission has been granted for the Home Office to use the former MoD Bicester site near Piddington to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers, though ministers said a final decision to proceed has not yet been taken.
Angela Rayner approved the fast-tracked Urgent Crown Development application, with the government citing high national demand for asylum accommodation and plans for modular housing plus health and welfare facilities.
3,177 objections and just one letter of support were recorded, and local opponents said the decision overruled councils, the NHS and the police and crime commissioner.
The approval fits Labour's push to replace asylum hotels with alternative sites such as former military bases, part of a policy the Home Office says has already saved more than £1 billion since the election.
Campaigners have already mounted a legal challenge, and any fresh High Court bid against the planning decision must be filed within six weeks on grounds of legal flaw rather than planning merits.