Angela Rayner grants planning approval for asylum centre in Piddington

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner has granted full planning permission for the development of an asylum seeker facility at a former Ministry of Defence site near the Oxfordshire village of Piddington. The decision allows for the refurbishment and redevelopment of the barracks, which are intended to house approximately 1,200 asylum seekers. This latest Angela Rayner news follows ongoing deliberations regarding the use of former military sites to manage asylum accommodation.

Angela Rayner has approved planning permission for an asylum centre at a former military site in Oxfordshire.

Local opposition to the MoD site

The proposal has faced significant resistance from local residents. In September, a symbolic referendum was held in Piddington, where 285 people voted in favour of independence from the UK, while 26 voted against the motion. Organised by local campaigners, the poll was intended to demonstrate strong community opposition to the plans for the site near Bicester. Last month, the group Wrong Plan Wrong Site sought a judicial review, challenging the government's decision to bypass an environmental assessment for the development. The group has cited concerns regarding potential significant environmental effects.

While the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed the approval for the temporary, phased use of the site, a spokesperson noted that the decision remains subject to a six-week window for potential legal challenges. The Home Office has clarified that while planning permission has been granted, a final decision to proceed with the site's use has not yet been taken.

Government policy and criticism

The Home Office stated that it is working to distribute asylum accommodation more fairly across the country, aiming to close all asylum hotels in favour of self-contained military sites equipped with 24/7 security and CCTV. The government is also exploring the use of other former military locations, including sites in Barnham and Linton-on-Ouse, while looking to extend the use of existing facilities in Crowborough and Wethersfield.

Shadow Housing Secretary Katie Lam criticised the decision, arguing that the government is ignoring the concerns of the local population. She stated that the focus should be on removing individuals upon arrival rather than relocating them from hotels to military bases.

Why it matters

This decision marks a significant step in the government's strategy to move away from using hotels for asylum seekers. It directly impacts the residents of Piddington and sets a precedent for how the government may utilise other former military sites across the UK to house asylum seekers.