Rayner grants asylum centre at MoD Bicester despite 3,177 objections

Angela Rayner has waved through planning permission for an asylum centre at the former MoD Bicester military site near Piddington, Oxfordshire. The Housing Secretary ruled the go-ahead should be granted because national demand for asylum accommodation is still high, according to a government report. The site could house up to 1,256 men.

The Home Office skipped the usual route, fast-tracking its application as an Urgent Crown Development. The approval covers demolishing existing buildings, putting up new modular accommodation and adding health and welfare facilities. A Home Office spokesperson said the permission lets the department keep progressing the use of MoD Bicester, though no final decision on the proposal has been made.

Objections piled up fast. The government report logged 3,177 representations against the plans and just one in support. Piddington made its feelings known by symbolically voting to leave the UK, and campaigners have taken the case to court.

Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, came out swinging. He accused Rayner and the Labour government of betraying the people of Piddington by abusing emergency powers. Instead of housing what he called illegal immigrants, he said the government should leave the ECHR so people could be rapidly deported.