Rayner Approves Plans to House 1,256 Asylum Seekers at MOD Bicester

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has granted planning permission for 1,256 male asylum seekers to be temporarily accommodated at the former Ministry of Defence site in Bicester, Oxfordshire, near the village of Piddington.

The decision comes despite strong opposition from local residents, who held a symbolic referendum in September and voted to “leave” the United Kingdom in protest against the proposals.

In a letter to local MPs Calum Miller of the Liberal Democrats and Greg Smith of the Conservatives, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed that the former military storage site would be used temporarily to accommodate asylum seekers.

A spokesperson for the department said the secretary of state had granted full planning permission for the temporary, phased use of the site.

The spokesperson added that further comments would not be appropriate because the decision could be subject to legal challenge.

Residents Raise Safety Concerns

The proposed accommodation has faced opposition from residents of nearby Piddington, with concerns raised about safety and the potential impact on the village.

Tim McNally, chairman of Piddington Parish Council, previously told Sky News that he feared the village would become “entrapped” by the development.

Local MP Criticises Government Decision

Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller described the approval as deeply disappointing, accusing ministers of proceeding despite concerns raised by residents and local councils.

He argued that the site was unsuitable for the proposed accommodation and said the decision could create difficulties for local communities, asylum seekers and taxpayers.

Miller also highlighted concerns identified in the government’s own assessment, including transport, community cohesion and pressure on local services.

He said nearby GP practices had no spare capacity, while important details concerning access to the site and sewage disposal remained subject to further approval.

The MP further raised concerns about the presence of asbestos and unexploded ordnance on the former military site, questioning whether the risks could be managed safely and what the additional costs would be.

He also criticised the government’s handling of environmental objections, saying they had been dismissed despite forming part of the basis for a potential High Court challenge.

Miller pledged to continue opposing the decision and demand greater scrutiny of its financial and community impact.