Government knew about MOD Bicester plans for eight months before claiming urgent action was needed

Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has challenged the Government’s decision to use an “urgent” Crown Development Order process for its proposal to accommodate up to 1,250 male asylum seekers at MOD Bicester.

In the last week, Calum learned that the Home Office had submitted a Crown Development Order application seeking full planning permission for the temporary change of use of the former military site, known as Site A.

However, a written parliamentary answer obtained by Calum confirmed that the Ministry of Defence was first informed of the proposal in November 2025 - eight months before the application was submitted and long before local authorities and residents were informed.

On Monday, Calum wrote to Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook demanding an explanation of the grounds on which the application had been designated “urgent”.

He also asked the Minister to confirm how residents and local authorities could formally submit their objections, what deadline would apply and how those representations would be considered.

Calum has criticised the Government for using a planning route which risks curtailing proper local scrutiny of a proposal with significant implications for Bicester and the surrounding villages.

Since the plans were announced, he has worked with councillors and parish council representatives from across the political spectrum to coordinate local opposition. Last week, representatives signed a shared compact committing them to oppose the proposal through a united, inclusive and peaceful campaign.

Residents have raised serious concerns about the suitability of Site A. The location is isolated, with limited public transport and no safe pedestrian access to nearby shops and services. Questions also remain about the pressure accommodation on this scale would place on local infrastructure and public services.

A previous proposal to use the site for asylum accommodation was rejected by a planning inspector following a public inquiry in 2003.

Calum Miller MP said:

“The Government has known about this proposal since November. It is completely unacceptable for ministers now to claim that it is so urgent that the normal planning process and proper local scrutiny must be curtailed.

“Local residents and councils were kept in the dark for months. They now face the prospect of one of the country’s largest asylum accommodation sites being pushed through without even being told clearly how they can have their say.

“Site A was found to be unsuitable for asylum accommodation more than 20 years ago. The site remains isolated, poorly connected and far from the services people placed there would need. Ministers have provided no credible explanation of what has changed.

“I have written to the Planning Minister demanding that the Government explain why it is using this route and guarantee our community a genuine opportunity to be heard.

“I will continue working with residents and representatives from across the political spectrum to oppose this unsuitable proposal. We will be most effective by remaining united, inclusive and focused on the facts.”