Planning approval granted for asylum seekers at MoD Bicester site
· World · BBC News, Times of India
Planning permission has been granted to house up to 1,256 men at the former Ministry of Defence site near Bicester, Oxfordshire, using an Urgent Crown Development application. The Home Office fast-tracked the application despite 3,177 representations against and one in support, with Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stating national asylum accommodation demand remains high. The approved plan allows demolition of existing buildings and construction of new modular accommodation with 24/7 security and CCTV facilities. Legal challenges from campaigners and a potential High Court application within six weeks may contest the decision.
Why it matters
Local residents and taxpayers will be affected by the new asylum accommodation, while the government aims to reduce costs by using former military sites instead of hotels.
Read the original report — BBC News
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.