'Communities must be heard': Council calls for consultation over plans to house 1,250 asylum seekers at Bicester military site
Cherwell District Council has written to the Home Secretary calling for a “meaningful” public consultation over controversial plans to house up to 1,250 asylum seekers at a military site in Bicester.
The council says it wants to ensure residents are given the opportunity to have their views properly considered as part of the planning process.
Council leader Lesley McLean has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood MP and has pledged to write to the Prime Minister, seeking answers and calling for meaningful community engagement.
Cllr McLean said: “Communities affected by proposals of this scale must be given the opportunity to have their voices heard. Residents deserve transparency, clear information and meaningful engagement throughout this process.
“We are seeking assurances from Government that local people will be able to make their views known and that those views will be properly considered before decisions are taken.
“We will continue to stand alongside our residents in calling for openness, accountability and community involvement.”
Since the Home Secretary announced plans to use Bicester Garrison Site A to accommodate asylum seekers on June 25, residents have raised ongoing concerns about security at the site.
Questions have also been raised about the potential impact on local infrastructure and public services, as well as the Government's intention to use the Urgent Crown Development application route, which could bypass elements of the normal planning process.
A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council said: “The council is seeking clarification regarding the Government's decision to pursue the proposal through the Urgent Crown Development application route, which could restrict the timeframe the Local Planning Authority has to respond to the planning application, and could remove some of the normal planning requirements for public consultation and engagement.
“Following questions to the leader at full council on Monday, July 20, 2026, the council has outlined a range of practical measures raised through discussions with local communities.
“These include the need for increased site security and policing, the potential impact on local infrastructure and public services, including healthcare provision and transport arrangements, and appropriate funding and support to help the council manage local impacts and promote community cohesion.”