Government Opens MOD Bicester Application to Residents Following Pressure from Bicester MP

Calum Miller, The Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has hailed a “win for local democracy” after the Government confirmed that residents, businesses and community organisations can formally make representations on its MOD Bicester asylum accommodation proposal. But he has warned that the Government now needs to listen to those views.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has opened a representation period from 7 September until midnight on 17 September.

The Urgent Crown Development process does not guarantee public participation beyond a narrow list of statutory bodies. When the application was first published, no firm deadline or clear mechanism for residents to respond had been confirmed.

On 1 September, Calum challenged the Prime Minister in the House of Commons, calling on him to restore local agency, withdraw the urgent application and allow the plans to be scrutinised by local people and their representatives.

The Prime Minister committed to examining the application in detail and reporting back to Parliament.

Calum subsequently wrote to Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook, urging him to exercise his discretion “as broadly as possible” and provide a meaningful opportunity for residents, businesses, community organisations and other interested parties to respond.

He also wrote to Border Security and Asylum Minister Anna Turley calling for the Urgent Crown Development application to be withdrawn and replaced with a proper process that gives local people a genuine voice.

Calum Miller said:

“This is a clear win for local democracy and for every resident who refused to be shut out of a decision with profound consequences for our communities.

“Last week, I challenged the Prime Minister to restore local agency and allow local people to scrutinise this proposal. I then wrote to both ministers responsible, pressing them to open the process to residents, businesses and community organisations. The Government has now confirmed that they will be able to have their say.

“But opening their mailbag is not the same as listening. Ministers must give every evidence-based representation proper weight and confront the serious shortcomings around transport, road safety, infrastructure, drainage, ecology and the fundamental suitability of this isolated site.

“This remains the wrong plan, the wrong site and the wrong process. The application shows that establishing this camp will be hugely expensive for taxpayers and that the lack of utilities and facilities will make it totally inappropriate for those housed there and for local communities.

“The Government should withdraw its urgent application and return to a fair planning process in which residents are given the time, information and influence they deserve.

“We have secured the right for our communities to be heard. I urge everyone affected to use it before the deadline on 17 September - and I will continue to demand that ministers listen.”

Residents must send their representations directly to MHCLG at Crowncasework@communities.gov.uk, quoting reference PCU/RARE/C3105/3378843.